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SUBMIT A COMPLAINT

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR OF YOUR CONDO .... LET'S WORK TOGETHER .... GET INVOLVED WITH COA .... EMAIL US TODAY .... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. LETS SPEAK OUT


The Condo Owners Association (COA)   

ALL CONDO OWNERS know your rights and responsibilities  

OWNING A CONDO 

 


Condo Owners
File your complaint CAO and/or CMRAO 


CAO - Condo Authority of Ontario   

CMRAO - Condo Management Regulatory Authority Ontario


The complaints can be as a result of a number of difficulties with your Board of Directors and/or Property Management.   Your Condo Corporation budget, expenditures, reserve funds, conditions, the process, the Annual General Meeting, the governance, design,  décor and condition of your Condo Building and on a personal light , You can also report items of concern regarding the operations, governance and accountability. 

Condo Owners no longer need to be kept in the dark, there are avenues available for support.  


1)  Harassment and/or bullied, major concerns not addressed etc. report Board of Directors 
2)  Harassment and/or bullied by Property Manager, report to CMRAO



CONDO OWNERS CAN REQUEST RECORDS OF THE CORPORATION AT ANY TIME 

The Board of Directors Must Comply or Corporation is fined for non compliance

1)  Request Records of the Corporation ie all Financials, Minutes of Meeting, AGM Minutes, 

2)  Board's Response to your Request for Records  If the Board refuses your request you may wish to report this to the CAO Condo Authority of Ontario

3)  Agreement to Access Records   Condo Owners can view records and if they wish a paper copy there may be a small charge   

4)  Future Reserve Fund Spending - Note ALL Owners, your Board of Directors must advise Owners 


SPECIAL WEBSITE Information

1)  Land Property Records  
2)  Home and Community 



All Condo Owners in Ontario

Owners can also request General Information of the Corporation and Board of Directors 

1) Request General Information of the Corporation               - Information for Owners about their Corporation 
2) Information on Board of  Directors Certificate Update      - Names and Address of Service for their Board of Directors  
3) New Owners Information Certificate                                   - Information for New Owners about their Corporation


Complete and send the above forms to the "Attention of your Board of Directors" 
In most cases this would be via your Property Manager. 
Please ensure you receive confirmation of receipt.





Become a COA Ambassador of Your Condo  

    


Note:  Changes to the Condo Act

COA is thrilled to work with  (MGCS)  the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and we are delighted to have Bill 106   "Protecting Condominium Owners Act 2015" and the New Condo Management Services Act, 2015   

(CAO)  Condo Authority of Ontario aims to improve condominium living with mandatory training for Condo Directors and as a resource for disputes 

CMRAO  Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario regulates Condo Manager and Management firms licensing, education requirements and compliance.    

Published in Uncategorized
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Condo Act Review

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

 

Published in About Condo Act
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Stage 2

Concerns on Condo Act Review 

These are some questions the COA had during the review process:
 

Click to view Condo Owners Association (COA) Stage Two Feedback

 

  1. Why is the Condo Act self governed with no fines for non compliance and illegal contravention of the act yet other acts offer protection with fines, ie Traffic Act, Health & Safety Act, AODA Accessibility Act etc.
  2. Expert Panel has over 95% of the Panel with representatives of Condo Service Trades and no representation for Condo Owners
  3. Initial suggestions/recommendations adopted by the Ministry based on input from OWNERS versus SERVICE PROVIDERS in their initial report
  4. The Condo Office is a Provincial Government CASH GRAB from Condo Owners and is completely unfair and unreasonable!
  5. The proposal to charge all condo owners by implementing a Condo Office at a monthly fee will cost huge dollars ( based on the number of Condos in the Province)
  6. Why are Condo Owners expected to pay for Property Managers licensing when they are employees of Property Management Firms
  7. Why are Condo Owners targeted to pay more money from a Condo Act review when this review is supposed to be about protecting and creating a better condo act
  8. Condo Owners need a standardized declaration in plain language, adopting multi-culturism so everyone can read and understand, the new Condo Act is more confusing!
  9. The Provincial Government should be working with the Condo Owners Association to open communication between Condo Owner
  10. New Condo Act continues to be be self-regulated yet evidence proves 14 years of present acts provides NO Protection for condo owners 
  11. Owners and Board of Directors shows a disconnect between the two (2) parties
  12. The condo act report has confirmed proxy forgery but there is no 3rd party holder of proxies to prevent tampering by Board Members or Property Managers who may be involved with the same to ensue their contracts
  13. Like the auditor, the Legal Counsel for the Condo should be elected/appointed by the owners and NOT the Board. Therefore, the lawyer works for the Owners and the Board will then need to hire its own lawyer. There have been too many problems for owners trying to get satisfaction from the Board
  14. The review process is taking far too much time.  Presently, the Ministry knows the 20% of the issues that are causing 80% of the problems. Therefore apply the 80/20 rule and implement some changes now versus a year from now
  15. Why did the government not involved MPAC on the review and analyse how MPAC evaluates Condos on their present structure for property tax assessment and adjust to consider reserve funds, refurbishments and upgrades.
  16. Why is there no ability for condo owners to find out about MPAC assessments online to compare their tax assessments as there is with single family homes
  17. Why was there no discussion in the condo act review on why there is COA Board member on Tarion or at least someone to represent Condo Owners ?
  18. Why did the panel not recommend less time for Status certificates considering 10 days is too long of a period of time for condo owners to wait
  19. Why is the fee for status certificates not paid to the Condo Corporation but instead to the Property Management Firms yet the documents belong to the Condo Corporation.
  20. Why did the review not address the need for Status Certificates to be broader and provide more info to a prospective owner/buyer. Also a history of maintenance fees for at least 3 years needs to be included.
  21. How come Board members can have meetings and delay approval for costly recommendations yet do not have to inform the Condo Owners at the beginning of discussion so they are prepared and alerted
  22. The developer needs to guarantee the maintenance fees for the first 3 years to prevent excessive maintenance fee increases after the 1st year
  23. Why has the Government not taken the Condo Owners Association advice to create a Reserve Fund Bond for Condominiums that pays an interest rate at last 1% or 1.5% higher than the Ontario Savings Bond
  24. As part of the Directors and Officers insurance, and to ensure that the Condo Board acts reasonably, there could be premium incentives for Boards who operate with and implement proper governance principles and policies
  25. Why does the Board of Directors have the ability to accumulate excessive surpluses and also are not mandated to obtain 3 quotes for any or all services
  26. Why would the Government limit courses to new Board Members when there is substantial proof that many Board Members have a lack of condominium knowledge
  27. The Government should be utilizing and help support Canadian Colleges and Universities to provide courses for Property Managers and Property Management Firms
  28. The Government should be utilizing and help support Canadian Colleges and Universities to provide courses for all Condominium Board members

Published in COA Reports on Review
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Building a Better Condominium Act

Newsroom

Building a Better Condominium Act

Archived News Release

McGuinty Government to Launch Condo Review Consultation

Ministry of Consumer Services    -  Build a Better Condo Act

  • Ontario is taking steps to modernize the Condominium Act, 1998, so it reflects the current and
  • future needs of owners, residents and other stakeholders in the condominium community.
  • In an effort to respond to a booming and evolving industry, Ontario will launch a public
  • consultation to identify a comprehensive set of issues, and long-term solutions relating
  • to matters such as:
  • consumer protection for buyers
  • condominium finances and reserve fund management
  • condominium board governance
  • expertise/accreditation of condominium managers
  • dispute resolution, for instance between condo boards and owners
  • The review will directly engage the entire condominium community, including owners, residents,
  • developers and property managers.  Members of the condominium community will have the
  • opportunity to speak about their issues, hear the concerns of others and work together to
  • develop solutions.  Details of the public engagement process and information about how to
  • participate will be announced this summer.  Strengthening the Condominium Act is part of
  • the McGuinty government's plan to ensure a fair marketplace for Ontario families.

Quick Facts

  • Over one million people live in condominiums in Ontario.
  • There are about 525,000 condominium units in Ontario.
  • Toronto had the fastest growing high-rise condo market in North America in 2011.
  • About 50% of new home sales in Ontario are condominiums; 60% of homes sold in the GTA.

Quotes

“This promising and thorough engagement process will be a first for the North

American condo market.  It will ensure the diverse range of stakeholders, including

over one million condo dwellers in Ontario,  are involved in both identifying

the issues and defining solutions that meet our needs today and in the future.”

Margarett Best

Minister of Consumer Services

 

“As the association representing professionalism in this rapidly growing

industry, ACMO is excited to be a part of a new consultative process

for the review of the Condominium Act that includes all stakeholders.

We look forward to working with the Government on changes that will provide

consumers with important protections and ensure that Ontario remains

the leader in the condominium industry in North America.”

Dean McCabe

President, Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO)

 

“The Canadian Condominium Institute - Toronto and Area Chapter

is pleased that the Ontario government has officially announced

the opening of the Condominium Act, 1998 for a complete review. We

congratulate the government for approaching it in a new and innovative

way which will allow those who are most affected by the legislation

to help decide its future, and look

forward to continuing to work with the government so the best 

legislation possible is created.”

Bill Thompson

President, Canadian Condominium Institute (Toronto and Area Chapter)

 

“The Condo Owners Association is thrilled that the McGuinty Government

is launching a review of the Condominium Act. We are looking forward

to participating in the review to help build a viable and sustainable

future for condominiums in Ontario that protects the rights of

owners, ensures best practices for condo corporations, and preserves the value

of the investment people have made in their homes.”

Linda Pinizzotto

President and Founder, Condo Owners Association Ontario (COA)

Media Contacts

  • Bryan Leblanc  Minister's Office  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    416-326-1939

  • Sandra Bento  Media Relations  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    416-327-9708

 This document was published on June 08, 2012 and is provided for archival and research purposes.

Published in About Condo Act
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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

 

 

Published in How COA Helps
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Discounts for Condo Owners

 

 

Discounts and Savings

  1. COA offers special savings and benefits

See these links for our Guide

  1. Condo Owners Guide 
  2. Condo Services Guide
  3. Email COA  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

New Discount on Vitamix Products


The COA is pleased to announce a "New 15% Savings plus free delivery for Condo Owners"
  1. Simply Email the COA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  2. COA will provide the discount Code to you with our Compliments
 

Condo Owners Association COA partners with Skyrise Living

 

10% - 25%

Discounts

Published in Hot News Bulletin
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How to Buy a Condo

Buying a Condominium

If you are considering buying a condo, make sure you research before signing on the dotted line says Linda Pinizzotto, Realtor and Founder President CEO of the Condo Owners Association. 

Linda has provided COA with an extensive portfolio of information for your protection and has recently launched her Condo Radio.com    

The New Condo Act offers more Consumer Protection 

New Vs Resale Condominiums

The Importance of Status Certificates

Buyers must have a condition requesting a Status Condition on their Agreement of Purchase and Sale.  The Condominium Corporation has 10 days to provide the Status Certificate and relating documents to the Buyer.  The Buyer should have 2-3 days to have their Lawyer review these documents to his/her satisfaction.   If the Buyer's Lawyer is acceptable to these documents;  the Lawyer provides recommendation to the Buyer to release the Status Condition and finalize the sale.  Lawyers will generally not approve the Status, documents etc.  if the Condo Corporation has financial concerns on the building and/or unit.  The Buyer. would normally be advised not to purchase the unit.  

 

The Status Certificate package includes

  1. Condominium Documents
  2. Auditor approved Financial Report
  3. Reserve Fund information and accompanying confirmation
  4. Insurance Company Letter confirming up-to-date condo building insurance and particulars
  5. Cover letter from the Board outlining unit maintenance fees, arrears etc. relating to Unit
  6. Any additional information relating to the condominium building   ie Loans, Liens, Law Suits
  7. Is the Building Registered with the Condo Owners Association

Condo Reserve Funds and Operating Budgets

COA believes Condo Owners and all Home Owners should understand the operations of a Condominium and their financial structure, in particular operating budgets and reserve funds.

The financial package of the condominium buildings makes a huge impact on value therefore affecting the mortgage and real estate value.  There are key considerations to maintaining value in a condominium building aside from location and good management/maintenance.  The Reserve Fund is extremely important, see notes below:  

  1. High reserve funds creates good value within a condominium corporation
  2. Board of Directors should have studies to determine that the contributions for reserve fund are adequate to provide for the expected costs of major replacement  (per item 4 below)
  3. Board of Directors who follow study reports for major repair and replacement of the common elements and assets of the corporation (as mandated by the Condo Act 1998)  helps maintain value of the building and units
  4. Boards of Directors decisions must comply to all mandates of the Condo Act 1998  

Learn more about the  Condo Act


 

Published in Condominium Information
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Building COA Committees

COA ONTARIO is growing and Accepting Volunteer Applications

COA Ontario represents Condo Owners Across the Province of Ontario.  We need volunteers to help with the various COA Divisions and Districts across the Province. The COA Toronto is the 1st Division of the COA and there are 12 Districts   For more details: www.COAToronto.com    If you would like to be involved we would like to hear from you. 

Be A Volunteer   

We request that you familiarize yourself with COA Ontario, and the associated geographic area within your District of Application.  Please complete the online application.

Divisions

The COA Ontario works closely with all Divisions of the COA and we required follow specific mandates and missions statements..  Each Divsions  is responsible to keep in constant contact with their Local Districts and associated committees plus create good relations with local Councillors, MPP's and MP's.   All information received through the Local Divisions and the Districts must be directed to COA Ontario.

Districts

If you are volunteering for a local District;  COA Ontario requires you to create a solid business relationships with your local Councillor, MPP's and MP's.  All Committee members represent COA Ontario Mission Statement under the umbrella of all Condo Owners who are members of COA in each respective District.

District committees will keep tabs on local developments, problems and issues relating to local condominium owners to report back to their Local COA Chapter. Each District within all of the Chapters will carry the same responsibility.   Each Division is responsible to provide this information to COA Ontario to ensure all important condo issues are represented through COA Ontario and our Provincial Government.

Published in COA Ontario Divisions
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