This marks another excerpt from the Ontario Governments web-site publications on this new act and what it means. This segment features topics such as Certificates, Noise, Notices and Operating Budgets. To read the entire article, please click on the link at the bottom of this article.
Protecting Condominium Owners Act – New Purchases, ONHWPA
Protecting Condominium Owners Act - An outline of the changes to Ontario’s condo laws
As the industry embarks on an exciting new journey with the introduction of Bill 106, Central Erin Property Management is pleased to be part of this of this process, which includes education. We will be sharing excerpts from the Ontario Governments web-site publications in the next series of blog articles, on this new act and what it means. To read the entire article, please click on the link at the bottom of this article.
Bill 106 - ACMO Video Series
With Bill 106 receiving royal assent on December 3, 2015, there is great anticipation of how this much anticipated, long overdue piece of legislation will be implemented. A series of educational videos were created by ACMO (Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario) to provide expert opinions on each of the focus areas within Bill 106, the Protecting Condominium Owners Act.
Tarion - New Homeowner Information Package
Getting ready to move into your new home is an exciting and busy time. However, it is important that you set aside some of that time to carefully read through this Homeowner Information Package and become familiar with its contents. It describes your home’s statutory
warranties and the responsibilities of both you and your builder, and explains how Tarion will handle a statutory warranty claim.
Can Condominiums Be Liable For Dog Attacks on Common Elements?
All this to say that, pursuant to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, a Condominium Corporation could be found liable for damages resulting from a dog attack on common elements if the corporation has failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of other individuals on the property. So, what is a Condominium Corporation to do?
Five easy ways to enhance security at your condo or townhouse complex
Importance of Quorum
Bill 106 (Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015)
Can Federal Canvassing Take Place in My Condo?
Bill 106 - Holding AGM's
Defining the Rights and Obligations of Condo Tenants
Condo Law Series — Up in Smoke
Police in Condos
What does the board have to do if the police attend with a warrant? What if they don’t have a warrant? When should the condominium contact the police because of an incident that occurred on the property?
In the past these questions were not easy to answer. While the condominium’s lawyer could provide general advice, there wasn’t really much case law to support the advice. Fortunately, in the past few years there have been cases that give some guidance.
Burst Pipe in Your Home — What is Your Responsibility for Repair After Damage
Whether you live in a townhome or high rise, the impact of water damage as a result of a burst pipe can be a very trying experience.
Depending on the severity of the event you may be dealing with damaged possessions such as furniture and clothing (otherwise known as contents) and possibly your walls, ceilings and flooring. In extreme cases it may involve you having to relocate from your home for a period of time.
While each condo is unique, that Corporation’s Declaration, By-laws and Rules, as well as the Condominium Act, 1998 along with case law, provide some baseline in determining the responsibility of all parties.
Video Surveillance
We have all seen examples where video has been used in reviewing an event or incident, shedding light and exposing the world to the raw details of what happened.
While the media has primarily focused on the use of personal video recordings to further their cause of selling the news by shocking viewers with graphic images, the use of video surveillance at your complex should be viewed with the objective to primarily deter unlawful behaviour, and secondly, to assist in the investigation of criminal activity.
Condo Living — In Case of an Emergency — Water/Electrical
WATER LEAK
Water leaks in buildings can be very damaging and costly to owners, so take the time to familiarize yourself with all shutoff valve locations.
WHEN A LEAK OCCURS
Close all the shut-off valves in your unit including main valve, and secondary valves that exist in your unit such as individual sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, toilets, and refrigerator.
Notify your property manager or building manager immediately. Mop up and collect any continuing water leakage to minimize water damage to your unit and neighbouring units.
NON-EMERGENCY LEAKAGE
If water leaks from faucet/reservoir into sinks/toilets you should notify the property manager to ensure that it is not causing water damage. It is usually the owner's responsibility to organize to have leaks fixed by a licensed and insured plumber.
DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Locate your electrical panel as well as trip-switches on specific power outlets.
Check if the outage is limited to your unit, check the individual breakers in your electrical panel as well as trip-switches on specific power outlets. If your neighbours' power is also out, notify the property manager or building manager and your local hydro authority.
Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment. Turn your thermostat(s) down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.
Turn off all lights, except one, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored. Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening.
Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.
Listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities.
Are You Protected — Condo Board Members
The Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) aims to protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job. It sets out duties for all workplace parties and rights for workers. It establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily.
Every officer and director of a corporation must take all reasonable care to ensure that the corporation complies with the Act and regulations as well as with any orders and requirements of Ministry of Labour inspectors, Directors and the Minister [section 32].
The goals and objectives stems from the premise of Recognize, Assess, Control and Evaluate.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The AODA was created with the intent to make Ontario a more accessible place to live and work, by clearly identifying, removing and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities. Making Ontario more accessible for people with disabilities creates a win-win situation for both businesses and customers.
Through this piece of legislation, five standards have been developed which place mandatory requirements on private and public sector businesses with at least one employee in Ontario. These standards are: Customer Service; Information and Communication; Employment, Transportation; and Built Environment.
A Guide to Owning a Condo — The Reserve Fund
So you have made the decision to purchase a condo, and beyond the traditional excitement and anxiety that comes with any major life change, there are some fundamental aspects that you must understand before signing on the bottom line, specifically the financial condition of the condo corporation, with regard to the reserve fund.
The Condominium Act requires that the corporation maintain a separate fund to be used solely for the purpose of paying for the major repair and replacement of the common elements and assets of the corporation. Depending on the building, this can include exterior wall claddings, roofing, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, site elements including roads, sewers, even playground equipment.