Governance
When it’s okay to play pet detective in condos
The instances of condo residents improperly using “medical reasons” to escape the enforcement of pet restrictions found in condo declarations or rules is on the rise.
When visitor parking is a scarce resource
Many condos offer visitor parking as an amenity, but managing it can become a major headache for the board and management.
The cases for and against professional directors
A panel debated the merits of hiring professional directors to run condo corporations at the ACMO/CCI-T Condo Conference last week.
Inside the public hearings on Bill 106
Emotional pleas and sharp criticisms occasionally pierced through positive feedback and suggested amendments at public hearings on Ontario’s proposed Bill 106.
The condominium as workplace
Condominiums are homes, and for the managers, security personnel, housekeeping staff and contractors who keep them in good order, they are also workplaces.
Condo Act reform bill clears second reading
The Ontario government unanimously passed the Protecting Condominium Owners Act yesterday in its second of three readings, with the qualified support of the opposition parties.
Accommodating mental illness in condos
Accommodating mental illness in a condominium setting is no trifling obligation. Cases show that the courts prefer creative solutions over forced sales.
The long-term costs of lowering maintenance fees
Maintenance fees are currently a hot topic. Some suggest lower fees improve affordability and resale value; others warn of potential long-term consequences.
Iconic condos prime targets for rooftop photogs
Iconic condos are prime targets for rooftop photographers as urban exploration resurfaces in Toronto amid the glut of high-rise construction.
Pan Am and the sport of short-term rentals
A security expert says condos need to have a plan for responding to short-term rentals ahead of tourist draws like the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
The legalities of live-in caregivers in condos
The issue of whether live-in caregivers breach single-family dwelling provisions arose for the first time in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta.
Shared facilities, shared headaches?
The agreement that sets out the parameters of the legal relationship between corporations governing shared facilities is often vague, fueling disputes.
How a condo board divided can remain united
A common goal can help foster a healthy space for debating the merits of various options — even if a condo board decision is ultimately made by a 3-2 vote.
Smoke-free movement makes inroads in condos
A recent court case shows that the movement to make Ontario smoke-free has made significant inroads in condos.
Province reveals proposed Condo Act reforms
Today stakeholders got a first glimpse of proposed legislation that would reform the Condo Act, as the legislation was introduced at Queen's Park.
Communication tips for condo communities
Owners often accuse boards of directors of being too secretive. Two property management professionals share their communication tips for condo communities.
Ontario case spotlights unapproved alterations
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision has shone a spotlight on a problem condominium corporations occasionally face: unapproved alterations.


