Do you have a virtual meeting and electronic voting by-law? If the answer is no, then make sure to read “September 30, 2022 Deadline-Virtual Meetings and E-Voting” by Denise Lash.
It’s mid-summer with the grass burning as we experience another drought, so what’s the rush in reminding the Board it needs to be making paving decisions, now? The reason of course
June 2022 Teno v. Essex C.C. No. 28, 2022 ONCAT 43 Introduction May 2022 was a busy month in the Condominium Authority Tribunal (“CAT”). As our readers will know, the
Almost all Canadians are experiencing the pinch of inflation, from gas to our grocery bills. Beyond its more visible day-to-day effects, inflation can have a significant impact on condominium budgets
Purchasing a unit inside a condominium means investing in a community. Part of that community investment involves regular communication with the condominium’s Board of Directors. A condominium’s Board of Directors
Did you ever think you would grow up and buy a condominium unit? I am sure there are people who never thought of this. Your condominium is your home. Condominium
With July just around the corner, and the end of the school year finally making its way through Ontario, many will be looking to pack their bags and go for
A condominium’s Board of Directors play a significant and immeasurable role in the daily governance of a condominium corporation in Ontario. Board members are not only responsible for ensuring the
“What do you do for a living?” – the hardest question ever asked to a condominium manager. When I first started to write this, I thought about what it is
Wiarton Willie told us that spring was going to come early. For birds migrating back to Ontario, this means one thing, it is time to find a nesting place. As
The provincial election is this Thursday, June 2, 2022 – only 1 day away! In conjunction with the other Ontario CCI Chapters, CCI-GRC reached out to candidates of the major
A condominium’s board of directors is responsible for informing unit owners of events, changes, and other matters relating to the condominium community. Often the board has a property manager who
As you may know, a provincial election will be held in Ontario on June 2, 2022. CCI-GRC recognizes that its members may have an interest in the positions and views that
A condo owner of 27 years, Kathleen Schrumm reflects on her thoughts on being in the condominium industry. Kathleen was first introduced to the condominium industry with her vacation townhome,
Preparing for your condominium’s Annual General Meeting can cause a lot of stress for your management company, board, and unit owners if your past meetings have not gone so smoothly.
When an owner has a question related to their condominium and/or condominium living in general, their first instinct is to likely seek out an answer for themselves. Below outlines many
In professional services, it is so important to build a network. Whether you’re fresh out of the gate or a well-seasoned expert, your network is your business lifeline. The challenge
Investing in a condo may seem like the right choice because of the price, but what really are the pros and cons of condo living? The housing market is heavy
Personal tax season is approaching quickly! We wanted to provide a general guide on how to get ready for submitting your income taxes. Collecting your information Missing information is the most
By a show of hands, how many of us have ignored a simple repair, only for it to become a large, complicated pain later on? Whether it was a case
It’s March! With the first real warm rays of spring about to caress our faces, our thoughts turn to the warm days of summer and once again enjoying the outdoors!
Whether it be a virtual meeting, conference, or webinar, either can be tough to get through while keeping them productive. Being behind a screen for the last couple years has
Do you have an electric vehicle, or would you like to get an electric vehicle, and are wondering how to charge that electric vehicle at your condominium? Electric vehicles are
Social media is an ever-evolving beast. Once you get comfortable with one algorithm, there have since been five updates, and a new sub-app that everyone is telling you to use.
“Water, water everywhere,” is not what you want to be thinking as you’re standing in the living room of a townhouse condominium unit or peering into the lobby of a
December 2021, York C.C. No 188 v. Caudhry, et al, 2021 ONSC 7027; & York Region C.C. No. 794 v. Watson, et al, 2021 ONSC 6574 Incessant and harassing emails,
On September 23, 2021, the Ontario Government announced that the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) would have its jurisdiction expanded again in 2022. As a recap, its jurisdiction was originally limited
Since 1993 they have been creating and maintaining exceptional landscapes through the Spring and Summer months AND ensuring safe properties through the snowy Winter seasons. Read-on for some tips from
It’s that time of year again for the Annual General Meeting and the process of forming next year’s budget. The auditor happily noted that the condominium had a growing surplus
Around this time of year, many condominium owners, directors, and managers ask us: why are my windows dripping with water? Condensation is a common issue for older condominium windows and
As condominium managers, we have all experienced when a relationship with a condominium community comes to an end, and you find yourself in the position of having to hand over a property to another firm. Now what?
What do you think about when you think technology? Most likely your thoughts immediately go to smartphones or computers. But do your thoughts ever travel to Condominium Living? Well they should – just imagine the possibilities
We have all been there – an important meeting where issues are raised, debated and decisions made. That is the substance of the meeting but you cannot overlook the importance of the minutes of those meetings.
On January 1st, 2022, the CAT will expand its jurisdiction into condo disputes regarding noise, odour, smoke, vapour, light, or vibration. Is your condo ready? Victor Yee talks about how condominium corporations can and should be ready for this latest expansion of the CAT.
The Surfside collapse and the resulting loss of life is tragic. In addition to dealing with the far-reaching impact of that collapse, many occupants, owners, and managers of most buildings are now asking whether something similar could happen to their building.
If you partake with the internet (and if you are reading this, you do at least dabble) then you have no doubt come across unpleasant online exchanges in some capacity
These Memoirs give members a chance to anonymously share their most unbelievable stories. Read on for a glimpse into the adventures of condominium living.
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over. Wait a minute – contractors are still working? There’s no way they should be installing EIFS in this cold, right?
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over. Wait a minute – contractors are still working? There’s no way they should be placing concrete in this cold, right?
Like anyone, Property Managers make mistakes. Owning it and making amends for it is more important in these strange and challenging times than ever before. In a time where information seems to be constantly changing and sometimes contradicting itself…
Most condominium corporations in Ontario have an audit completed annually and the resulting financial statements are provided to owners. But what about those condos that have less than 25 units and have waived the audit – do they still have to provide financial statements to the owners? The answer is…
Boodram v. Peel Standard Condominium Corporation No. 843, 2021 ONCAT 31
Introduction: In Boodram v. Peel Standard Condominium Corporation No. 843, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (the “CAT”) discussed the difference between: (1) ‘rules,’ and (2) ‘policies’ in the enforcement context.
The government has advised that, as of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (i.e. two doses plus 14 days post-second vaccine) and need to provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID in order to access certain public settings and facilities.
Final offer selection is known as baseball arbitration because it is the process used by Major League Baseball when a player and team cannot agree on compensation.
The Condominium Authority Tribunal’s jurisdiction includes new types of disputes. This article discusses the new types of disputes, examples of disputes, jurisdictional issues, and more legislative changes to come.
Condo Memoirs gives members a chance to anonymously share their most unbelievable stories. Read on for a glimpse into the adventures of condominium living.
Oops… I forgot to tell the auditor that we had a killer bee invasion at the condominium corporation in 2020 which drove up our pest control costs. Luckily, there were no lawsuits or injuries from the attack of the killer bees and the situation was dealt with quickly.
My grandmother used to say “Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can…. “ There are many ways to finish the saying, but the sentiment has never been more important in our lives right now.
By-laws are not documents of legal jargon that can be filed away – by-laws contain important information with an ongoing impact on the condominium. The by-laws must be followed in order to run the condominium effectively.
The Covid 19 pandemic has led to diminished involvement by condominium directors in the financial affairs of their condos and sometimes eliminated it entirely. Boards have the primary responsibility for their company’s financial affairs. Management companies are their agents. That needs to be reflected in the financial control systems.
Do you own/manage a building in Ontario?
Was that building built using Designated Substances and/or Hazardous Materials (DSHM)? How can you tell?
“Zoom Fatigue” colloquially refers to all forms of video conferencing and refers to the exhaustion you feel from a long day of video calls.
Understanding Performance Audit Common Element Warranty – No building is perfect, and construction is definitely not perfect. You are protected by a warranty when you move into a new condominium. Understand the process to protect your real estate asset.
The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium in Florida has been an alarming event for many in the condominium and engineering industries.
Property managers offer invaluable expertise to condominium boards on a wide range of matters, from holding proper meetings to navigating sensitive owner disputes. Given this important role, it is important to make sure that your condominium’s property manager is educated, efficient, and the right fit for your condominium community.
It is well known that Property Managers go above and beyond to help clients and tenants. Property Managers have a unique and important role, and many of their unseen duties are hardly ever reflected in their job description. So why is saying no hard, and why is it so important?
Condominiums in the City of Cambridge that are older than 10 years should assess their exposure to a 300% water cost increase that may occur when their property line water meters are replaced.
Before the pandemic, Annual General Meetings were typically held in-person. With restrictions on gatherings, the industry was required to find a new way to have AGM meetings… the
solution was virtual!
This blog intends to give as much information as possible on the current issue of building materials price increases, which materials are being affected, and how this may impact condo boards when deciding when or if to do repairs to the condo.
It’s spring and the warm weather is upon us. The snow and ice have melted, the ground is starting to warm, and you look forward to seeing that lush, green lawn.
February 2021, Rahman v. Peel Standard Condominium Corporation No. 779, 2021 ONCAT 13
While allegations of harassment are not uncommon in the condominium world, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (the “CAT”) has generally refrained from determining that condominiums have harassed unit owners until now.
Hardscape surfaces, including asphalt and concrete pavements of parking lots, roadways, driveways, and sidewalks, are often the first visible component of a property seen by condominium owners and their visitors. Asphalt and concrete deterioration are not only visually unpleasant; they also pose a significant slip, trip, fall, and driving hazard.
The Education Committee is committed to offering timely, informative, and practical information for condo owners and Board members, as well as managers and other industry professionals. To this end, the committee has a full calendar of offerings this year.
Now that we have the basics of logging onto a video call down to a science, it’s time to address the elephant in the room. There is some etiquette we should all adhere to when signing onto a virtual meeting.
It’s April! With the first warm rays of spring about to caress our faces our thoughts turn to the warm days of summer and once again enjoying the outdoors!
Parking garages are continually exposed to corrosive environments leading to deterioration, resulting in the need for engineering evaluations, localized repairs, and/or wholesale rehabilitation.
Are you planning a wood project this year? Do you need to replace fences? Do you need to replace decks? Watch out! Sticker Shock!
Spring is a greatly anticipated time around condominiums: landscape work is starting, outdoor clean-up from the winter is underway, and we are all happy to finally be outside. But so are some unwelcome guests. This article will help you prepare for the inevitable awakening of ants at your property.
No matter how much I anticipate or prepare for conflict, I find it difficult to maintain a calm composure. I perform worse than normal simply because I am feeding off my clients’ emotions and don’t want to disappoint them.
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over. Wait a minute – contractors are still working? There’s no way they should be installing the roof in this cold, right?
I recently had coffee with Bill Merrylees. Bill is the President of RDI Investigative Consulting Inc. His company focuses on Corporate Investigations, Risk Assessments and Training for Residential and Commercial Properties.
Overwhelming evidence shows that when it comes to fraudulent financial activity, the perpetrators are more often than not board members and rogue property managers either acting alone or in collusion.
Attics: the last frontier. This unexplored area of the house tends to go about unnoticed by most homeowners. Generally hidden, attics can largely impact the roof and living space below, with hidden problems causing discomfort and costing you money.
Some board members are concerned that Condo Managers are now working from home. So are some Condo Managers. It adds stress to an already difficult job.
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over.
We want to carry some surplus in our operating fund – is that ok, and if so, can we plan for it?
Why are you still using cheques? It cannot be because they are expensive, or a hassle to get two board members to sign. It cannot be because your vendors enjoy chasing you down and maybe even intercepting you before it hits the postal box.
General maintenance and repair of asphalt pavements is typically less urgent and lower on the priority list compared to roof and building envelope repairs for condo owners.
The most important asset to any condominium corporation is the property itself.
Workmanship, Quality Control & Water… Probably because I have inspected thousands of condo buildings and their units for construction defects and other issues, I am often asked by both prospective condo buyers and property managers to name the most common problems found in new condo developments.
The financial statements of your condominium corporation are an important tool. While most condominium corporations are required to have an audit completed, some smaller corporations can waive this requirement… are there other types of financial statements available?
Condo property managers must be licensed by the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario in accordance with the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015 (the “CMSA”) in order to provide condo management services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the closure of many condominium amenities. Beyond condominium communities, a series of other venues have been closed for over half a year now, to limit unnecessary in-person gatherings and to keep people safe at home.
On a list of big-ticket items, few property expenses stand out more than a parking garage restoration. It is imperative for managers and owners to consider their options and ensure they have a solid game plan before and during any garage project.
For many, financial statements are full of numbers arranged in an unfamiliar format. This can result in the inability to understand what is being presented. The intent of this article is to clarify this information so you can understand the story behind those numbers.
Effective January 1, 2021, the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”) will be amended to require condominium developers to provide potential purchasers of pre-construction and newly-built condominium units with a “Condominium Guide.”
The beautiful months of winter are upon us! Just because we’ll all be inside for a few months doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to look out our windows though! Yes, it’s time to talk about ways of controlling excessive condensation on windows.
In my residential real estate career, I’ve assisted many buyers purchase high-rise condos and inevitably the question of space and size arises. If the current home-owner has been aware of flow and furniture placement, we often discuss possibilities for change and how we see the current layout meeting their needs.
When evaluating your winter service needs and starting the process of looking for a qualified service provider, it is increasingly important to be thorough in your search. Asking the right questions can help you to differentiate between a mediocre and an exceptional winter service provider.
Jane woke up early on a Sunday morning and decided she was going to get as many errands done as possible to prepare for the upcoming vacation. She decides to look for the forms to renew her passport. She starts her coffee brewing and sleepily googles “passport renewal”.
Effective communication is vital for the success of any organization, including condominiums. The Digital Age has changed the way people communicate. Even those reluctant to change have been forced to do so to some extent by the pandemic. Condominiums must adapt to the changing times.
How to decide on proceeding with reserve fund projects in a pandemic.
A look at our procedures for commercial UAV drone technology use. The regulations we abide by and expectations we meet to fly.
From snow storms to freezing rain and cold temperatures, the winter season can create a number of problems for your building. Being prepared can help you get through the season with as little damage to your property and equipment and reduce the possibility of huge insurance claims and unanticipated expenses.
Can income from interest and rentals jeopardize your condominium’s non-taxable status? This article will help you to understand which income sources may attract income tax as well as how to determine if your corporation should register for Harmonized Sales Tax.
The pandemic brought major disruption to the justice system but also profound change. Here’s a quick summary and a peek at what it means for condo corporations, boards, managers and owners.
One of the largest capital expenses in the Reserve Fund Study for condominium corporations is the inevitable replacement of the roof system. Shingle roofs (sloped) or flat roofs (low-slope) eventually require replacement, and the timeline for this process varies greatly between properties.
Though some managers might be villains, and only a few are truly heroes, all of them are human, and they are entitled to fair and humane treatment.
Stage 3 – What does that mean for condominiums?
Are your financial statements credible? Read your auditor’s report to discover your auditor’s opinion.
Are you a CCI Conference newbie? Do you want to be prepared to get “the best bang for your buck?”
When a condominium is presented with the requirement from an electricity distributor (ex. local municipal hydro corporation) to pay a security deposit, the Conditions of Service of the electricity distributor should be reviewed to ensure the request complies with the Ontario Energy Board Distribution System Code.
Tarion announced the reinstatement of timelines on July 6, 2020. Tarion processes and timelines were suspended on March 16, 2020 under Ontario’s Emergency Order. We understood that all performance audit deadlines and builder repair periods were “on-hold” until the emergency order was lifted. We have been “on-hold” for 16 weeks
Tips for Replacing Your Condominium’s Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Does your Condo Corporation have a Utility Management System in place to ensure that you are paying only for your own consumption of water, electricity, heating and cooling? A fair monitoring and billing platform can be achieved through the sub-metering of utilities.
Real Estate is deemed an “Essential Service” however like all other industries, there are some significant changes to the processes of working from A-Z through a successful real estate transaction closing.
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There are certain factors that should be considered when preparing for planned and unplanned elevator down-time. On-site time for elevator installation crews ranges from about two weeks for an accessibility lift, to four weeks for a hydraulic elevator, and six weeks for a traction elevator.
Most people would agree that for the majority of us, advances in technology have significantly improved our daily lives. The use of the internet in particular has allowed us to get tasks done faster and more efficiently without having to leave the comfort of our homes.
Experts far and wide tell us that racism is rife in our society, both on the systemic and individual levels. The injunction they deliver is to ask, and reflect upon, ourselves, our conduct: Are we clean and pure, or could our conduct and attitudes be sometimes tainted?
When people think of garbage, they generally associate it with smelly, dirty items that they cannot wait to get rid of – either throwing them down the chute or tossing into a dumpster. With COVID-19 and its implications, it now becomes smelly, dirty, AND a potentially scary daily task.
Will the Condominium Authority Tribunal of Ontario broaden the type of disputes it hears?
Tarion now requires an information sheet be provided with pre-construction condominium purchase agreements – what is this new information sheet and why do we have it?
Shalon Seebach discusses how to manage a Condominium’s cash flow during COVID-19.
Changes are coming to Tarion. An insider reports that by the end of 2020, the new home warranty provider and new home builder regulator will be 2 separate organizations.
What do you think of when you hear ‘property manager?’ When people ask me what I do for a living, and ‘property manager’ is my response, I am usually met by a blank stare…
Over the last several weeks, the Federal government has made several announcements regarding financial assistance programs that have been made available to corporations and individuals. You are probably wondering whether your condominium corporation is eligible for any of these. The answer is – maybe.
Maintenance and repair services necessary to manage the safety and security of properties and buildings have been deemed essential services and are still available during COVID-19.
This article tackles a few frequently asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 for condominiums.
The COVID-19 pandemic is something no one could have predicted or budgeted for, and we are all struggling in one way or another…
An update from the CCI-GRC Membership Committee.
As COVID-19 continues to take its toll, what does this mean for condominiums as monthly common element fees continue to become due? Are the lien procedures in the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”) still viable?
We have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Grand River Condo Conference & Tradeshow to September 23, 2020.
On Friday, February 28th at Bingeman’s Conference Centre, CCI GRC held a very successful Lunch & Learn event!
“If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all”
Michelle Kelly, B.Comm., LL.B., ACCI
Robson Carpenter LLP
An evening at the Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association’s Industry and Product night!
The 2020 Professional & Business Partners’ Directory is now available!
Is your unit experiencing heat loss during the winter? Check out an expert’s tips for preserving comfortable temperatures in your unit.
Do you need an audit of your financial statements? Find out what you need to know when selecting a financial statement auditor.
On September 25, 2019 our Grand River Chapter held its third Annual General Meeting!
Outbreak of mould at a condo complex. Where did it come from? Now what do we do?
Every year, CCI chapters from across Canada are asked if there are any members who deserve to be recognized for their tireless effort volunteering for CCI. This year a member from Grand River Chapter, Kathleen Schrumm, was selected for this honour!
The Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines recently announced the introduction of the new Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) effective November 1, 2019. Learn how your condominium and/or small business may be affected by this change.
Mobile payment is connecting vended laundry to the future as more Canadians not only prefer but expect the ability to pay with their mobile devices.
Results are in for the City of Guelph’s Multi-Residential Water Audit Program (MRWA), a program that provides water audits for multi-residential buildings to help identify opportunities for saving water and money, and it comes with both good and bad news.
Online voting and attendance are relatively new to condominiums. We explore what the Act permits with Mark Willis-O’Connor!
During the election period, candidates have certain rights under the Canada Elections Act and the Condominium Act, 1998. There are several items which apply to condominiums. This blog contains what you should expect during this election season! This content was originally shared by CCI-Toronto.
As a condo owner, replacing windows can be a significant investment in your building. Window replacement can be expensive and disruptive, but can improve occupant comfort, building aesthetics, and maintain the value of your property. Ensure a successful project and avoid common pitfalls!
We ran four Leaders’ Circles events this summer and they were definitely a success! Get a copy of the presentation here and check out some photos!
Our upcoming AGM is on September 25, 2019. You can only vote in the AGM if you are an active member for the year 2019-2020. Don’t miss your chance; renew today!
Are you interested in contributing to our new blog? We’re looking for blogs that are focused on the condo lifestyle and/or condo-related education for our members!
© 2022 CCI Grand River Chapter
