CondoBusiness - Health & Safety
REMI

Health & Safety

lithium-ion

Condos tackle lithium-ion battery risks

Lithium-ion batteries mostly operate safely and reliably, but failures can occur with serious resulting risks, particularly in multi-residential settings.
aging in place

Evolving smart home tech redefines aging in place

Emerging technologies are powering homes into active support systems that can monitor, predict and respond to the changing needs of older adults and boost their
procurement

Prioritizing value in engineering procurement

Condo boards face mounting pressure to manage reserve funds efficiently while protecting future owners from unnecessary financial strain.
pool safety

Emerging tech seeks to advance pool safety

Pool safety is under renewed scrutiny after two recent incidents occurred at condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area, one involving a chemical mishap and the other a fatal drowning.
balconies

Cracks and corrosion put condo balconies at risk

Aging condo balconies demand structural repair and upkeep to remain safe.
fire code

Fire code violations threaten condo safety

Ontario condominium corporations are responsible for ensuring the safety of their buildings and the wellbeing of their residents. One of the most crucial aspects of
overcrowded

Condos grapple with overcrowded units

Overcrowding is difficult to address and even harder to resolve, especially when governing documents provide little clarity.
communication

Condo communication missteps under scrutiny

In a series of recent legal cases, condo boards, unit owners and property managers have been grappling not only with disputes but the complex nuances of communication.
status certificate

Status certificates 101

One of the most important documents in a condo transaction is the status certificate—and its price may be set for a sharp increase.
aging

Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities

New updates to the OBC, which come into effect January 1, 2025, do little to address accessibility. How can existing condos prioritize inclusion when planning for renovations?
water leaks

Managing water leaks 101

The causes of water leaks are often related to materials, installation, maintenance and operational issues.
emergency

Initiative seeks to close emergency response gaps

The Peel Regional Police Service is one jurisdiction that is leading a program that focuses on high-rise safety and resident well-being.
fire code

Residents figure into fire safety knowledge gap

The province also saw the total number of fatal fires rise to 109. Within many condos, there is a critical gap between fire safety and resident knowledge.
costs

Keeping plumbing maintenance from plummeting

As time and usage take its toll, plumbing systems deteriorate and improper and deferred maintenance lead to disastrous results.
depreciation reports

Considerations for deferring capital project work

The industry panel discussed what capital repairs and replacement costs could potentially be deferred by prolonging the life of various building components and what professional resources to seek for guidance.
WELL

WELL evolves into residential communities

Minto Communities is the first developer in Canada to pilot the WELL for residential program, which sets out to create healthier homes.
managers

Pushing for a workplace culture shift

Condo managers are familiar with hostile work environments, but cases of harassment and intimidation, and even violence, have reportedly increased due to a confluence of factors.