Municipal
Expanding the frontiers of universal design
Universal design encompasses much more than physical accessibility, as three Interior Designers of Canada members recently explained in a panel discussion.
Enforcing Smoke-Free Ontario Act changes
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Toronto's smoking bylaws recently changed. A tobacco enforcement inspector shares what property owners and managers need to know.
Changes to Toronto sewers bylaw may be on tap
Toronto has two changes to its sewers bylaw coming down the pipes that, if adopted, may trickle down to building owners and managers.
Urbanization is the new normal: report
Urbanization is the new normal, according to PwC and the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015 report. The publication, now in its
Delineating where private property rights end
The City of Toronto is investigating the use of visual aids to delineate where private property rights end and public property begins. The move follows
Some progress in cutting commercial tax rates
Commercial tax rates in Toronto and Montreal continue on inverse trajectories even though ratepayers in both cities carry a disproportionately higher share of the overall
Toronto to curb builders’ use of public space?
A Toronto city councillor is proposing to curb the practice of allowing developers to occupy the public right-of-way. It’s a move that has surprised and
T.O.’s energy reporting consultations set for fall
City of Toronto staff have set out a fall to winter timeframe for consultations on the development of a proposed energy reporting bylaw for large buildings.
Toronto eyes time limit for elevator repairs
Property owners and managers may eventually face not only frustrated residents and tenants when elevators have to be taken offline, but also a time limit
When political canvassers come knocking
Condo boards and staff can't restrict political canvassers from reasonably accessing condominiums during municipal, provincial or federal elections.
Toronto priority neighbourhoods may increase
The number of Toronto priority neighbourhoods may rise to 31 from 22, due to changes in the criteria that the city uses to determine at-risk areas.
Ontario Municipal Board reform still polarizing
Calls for Ontario Municipal Board reform are on the rise. But the OMB is a contentious issue, and experts cannot agree on how to move forward.
Toronto’s land transfer tax remains unscathed
Despite vocal opposition from the real estate industry, attempts to reduce the Toronto land transfer tax in the 2014 budget have failed.
Smoke-free entrances becoming the norm
Toronto is looking at banning smoking from public building entrances. But it certainly isn't the first jurisdiction in the country to consider butting out.
Property tax inequity in Vancouver
Unsustainable property tax rates in Vancouver favour residential owners over businesses.
Industry group slams “unworkable” parking levy
A report released by a real estate industry coalition warns of the negative impact a proposed parking levy would have on the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Toronto’s new Green Standard raises concerns
As Toronto prepares to phase in updates to its Green Standard, some building industry members have concerns about ...
