Regulations
CRTC decision addresses telecom access in condos
Let a fourth telecommunications service provider in, or risk losing all Internet access. That was the headline version of an Aug. 15 Canadian Radio-television and
Coming back from reserve fund shortfalls
In an ideal world, condominium owners are satisfied with the way their corporation is run, fees are comparable to the condominium down the street, major
Ontario attempts electricity rate relief
Shifts in the allocation of Ontario's Global Adjustment will benefit some electricity customers and further burden others, but proactive commercial real estate owners/managers are poised to be among the winners.
Interim report released in Tarion review
An interim report in Tarion review flags calls for a dedicated section for and further rules unique to condominiums in the new home warranties legislation.
Thermal metering crosses the pond
Thermal metering, already widespread in Europe, is expected to gain traction in Canada as the technology becomes more accessible.
Inquiry puts spotlight on procurement practices
News of a Competition Bureau inquiry has put a spotlight on procurement practices in the condominium industry.
A new path for resolving condominium disputes
The idea of creating a tribunal to help address condominium disputes in Ontario, as envisioned in Bill 106, has been intriguing to many in the industry.
New property transfer tax makes waves
An additional property transfer tax aimed at stemming the tide of foreign investment in residential real estate has made immediate waves in Metro Vancouver.
Human rights decision applies to condominiums
A recent Ontario Human Rights Tribunal decision confirms housing provider obligations when harassment and discrimination occur in multi-res communities.
Vancouver developers to pursue zero emissions
The newly adopted plan sets out a two-part strategy to ensure that new buildings are as energy-efficient as possible and, perhaps more contentiously, do not rely on natural gas for space heating and hot water supply.
Courts taking note of unreasonable positions
Courts are taking note of aggressive or unreasonable positions adopted by boards of directors, as the Couture v. TSCC No. 2187 case showed.
May high-rise sales mark near-record month
Consumers snapped up 3,623 new high-rise homes in the GTA in May, making it the second-best month on record, next to November, 2011, reported BILD.
A guide to glass balcony guards and breakage
In the past few years, there have been many cases of glass balcony guards breaking. An expert explains why this happens and how to mitigate the risk.
Industry reacts to Competition Bureau inquiry
It’s too soon to know what the ultimate fallout from the Competition Bureau’s investigation into allegations of bid-rigging and conspiracy in the supply of condo refurbishment services might be.
Complex alternative to carbon tax questioned
Commercial and multi-residential real estate owners will catch a significant share of the fallout from Ontario's pending cap-and-trade system, but a projected natural gas price increase in the range of $0.84 to $1.05 per gigajoule is lower than carbon tax rates in British Columbia or Alberta.
Five ways Bill 106 will facilitate e-governance
Bill 106 is written with modern realities in mind — at a time when software is eating the world. The condo industry is about to experience the same.
Streamline site plan approval: Ontario architects
Toon Dreessen, president of the Ontario Association of Architects, is renewing the OAA’s call for a streamlined site plan approval process.


