Legal
REMI Network
Case shakes perceived permanency of grandparented smoking
One source of contention can arise between non-smokers and owners exempt from following no smoking rules, particularly if smoke travels where it’s not invited.
CondoBusiness
Cases spotlight cost of poor communication
In some condos, communication channels break down or don’t exist, causing unnecessary expenditures that corporations and owners must incur.
Canadian Property Management
Deal makers might avoid needless FOI requests
A proposed digital channel for submitting property-related information requests to Ontario's Ministry of the Environment would offer an alternative to the current paper-based submission of Freedom of Information requests.
Canadian Facility Management & Design
Top employment law issues during COVID-19
Employees may refuse vaccines for reasons such as religious belief or medical reasons, and requiring these employees to undergo inoculation would be a human rights violation.
CondoBusiness
Virtual practices stir up privacy concerns
As Ontario considers making digital and virtual processes permanent, the condo industry is addressing various privacy concerns.
Canadian Property Management
Manitoba to redefine trespass violations
Construction sites are not specifically identified for limited occupiers' liability provisos, but an associated proposed amendment defines unauthorized entry onto a construction site as a criminal act.
CondoBusiness
How to avoid a DIY renovation disaster
The renovation work should aim to improve the property and make it more accessible for residents and visitors.
REMI Network
Can condos demand COVID-19 vaccination?
Canada is slow to administer doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, but condo communities are already beginning to consider some complex issues related to immunization.
CondoBusiness
How a newly expanded CAT will impact condos
This expansion of the CAT’s jurisdiction into new issues should be noted by condominium corporation boards and managers alike.
CondoBusiness
Developer avoids liability after cancelling condo
A recent Ontario court decision is very good news for Ontario condo developers who must cancel their projects prior to construction.
CondoBusiness
Contractual clauses in a post-COVID-19 world
COVID-19 has also taught the importance of well-drafted comprehensive force majeure clauses and other standard contractual clauses, which should now be scrutinized more than ever.
Canadian Property Management
Ontario unveils more regulatory adjustments
A recycled title adorns the Ontario government's latest initiative to be framed as red tape reduction. Bill 213, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2020, is an omnibus effort to amend more than two dozen statutes.
CondoBusiness
Should condos consider pandemic rules?
As areas of Ontario have reopened in the midst of an ongoing outbreak, condos may be asking if a specific set of rules is helpful.
Facility Cleaning & Maintenance
Montreal office building afoul of PCB regulations
A Montreal holding company pleaded guilty and was fined $260,000 for failing to comply after environmental enforcement officers ordered the disposal of a transformer.
Canadian Property Management
Pandemic-related litigation brewing in Quebec
Commercial real estate specialists are noting a recent Quebec superior court decision with interest, suggesting it could become a beacon for other tenants seeking rent relief.
CondoBusiness
Saskatchewan enshrines remote witnessing option
Emergency regulations were initially intended to enable land title registry, delegation of power of attorney and filing of wills in accordance with required public health protocols.
Canadian Property Management
Deferrals should address GST/HST remittances
Tax specialists are reminding commercial landlords that rent deferrals could have flow-through implications for required GST/HST remittances to the Canada Revenue Agency.
