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Hot News Bulletin (12)
Hot News Bulletins are new important initiatives by the Condo Owners Association
Mandatory Provincial Residential Tenancy Agreement
Landlords, Tenants and Realtors remember to read important information on the new mandatory Standard Lease Form which has come into effect May 1, 2018.Ontario's Fair Housing Plan and Rental Fairness Act changes include an initiative by the Provincial Government to introduce a new standard lease for private residential leases signed on or after April 30, 2018 including tenancies in:
- Single Detached Homes
- Semi-Detached Homes
- Apartment Buildings
- Condominiums
- Secondary Suite - ie basement apartments
Click here to download the new form
For more information and an FAQ, visit the Ministry of Housing
REALTORS:
Revisions to the OREA Form 400: Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease)
OREA revisions to Form 400 in response to the new requirements per the Residential Tenancies Act. The Form #400 revisions are as follows:
- Clause 12; first line was revised to identify the lease will be drawn by Landlord on the standard form of lease as per Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) &
- Clause 13; is a new clause for party (landlord and tenant) acknowledgement that there will be a standard form of lease as prescribed by RTA. All form Clauses were re-numbered thereafter.
- Note: The purpose of OREA Form #400 Agreement to Lease - Residential is as a negotiating tool only and the mandatory government standard lease form for landlords is the actual formal lease document.
- Further, three OREA Standard Clauses were deleted due to effects of RTA amendments; OREA Standard Clauses in LEASE/RES Clause 2, 8 & 14
Other Important Information
Please Note: Standard lease form does not apply to most social and supportive housing, retirement and nursing homes, mobile home parks and land lease communities, or commercial properties. The government will develop separate standard leases to address these other types of residential tenancies.
With 13.6 Million Ontarians and only 18,500 electric vehicles on the road, why is this being fast tracked into the Condominium Market of 1.9 million Residents in Condos?
Please See: Announcement May 1, 2018
There are new requirements for Condominiums coming into effect relating to Electric Vehicle Charging on May 1, 2018. The regulations under the Condo Act supports the installation of electric vehicle charging sysems EVCS in condos.
Newroom Announcement Ontario Government
COA re: Electric Vehicles Announcement
There are too many changes for Condo Owners and Condo Corporations. We need to deal with the important issues and understand where some changes to the Condo Act may not be working and/or have not been address. There is too much, to fast and now we have new legislation relating to electric vehicles and charging stations See New Regulation All these changes are creating a huge confusion in the Condominium world. The News Release states that there are 18,500 electric vehicles currently on the road in Ontario. Ontario is one of the 10 provinces in Canada with 40% of the Country's population. In 2018, it is recorded that there are approx. 13.6 Million people. As of October 25, 2017, CBC announced in their article titled "1.9 million Canadian households live in condos, census data shows just over two-thirds of people living in condos in 2016 were Owners according to Statistic Canada".
Condo Corporations will not have to install EV stations. Condo Corporations are exempt of Section 97 of the Act but they are required to conduct an assessment of cost and send a notice to owners with particular information. The costs to carry out the installation cannot be greater than 10% of the annual budgeted common expense and depending on certain circumstances. EV statons can be installed by an Owner are now exempt from Section 98 of the Act however this exemption will only apply If an Owner provides an application to include drawings, specifications and location info of the installation.. There are a number of factors involved and associated impacts on Status Certificates. It is an extremely complicated process.
It is not that we disagree with the Province of Ontario initiative, we have concerns that it is being pushed through prematurely. Reforming Ontario's Condo Law to include this initiative will impact Condo Buildings and could cost Condo Corporations unnecessary expenditures for a product that is not yet required. . While the Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Incentive Program (EVHIP) is an excellent initiative, Condo Boards will need to fully understand the financial impact on their budgets. Will the cost to adapt this program be a benefits for residents? It is also noted that Residents refers to both Condo Owners and Tenants. The announcement refers to Condo Owners however what if the charging stations are utilized by Tenants, whose rental increases are subject to the Residential Tenancies Act with regulated levels on increases. Who then is responsible for the costs? Will there be allowances to use the costs in a Reserve Fund budget or is it a direct expense?
In July 2016, the Ministry of Transportation announced that 500 electric vehicle and 250 stations across the province with 24 public and private sector partners to provide public charging stations in various public places.
The COA would like to understand why the major concerns surfacing as a result of the new Condo Act and regulations. There are still important issues such as Proxy Fraud for elections and Annual General Meetings is a huge topic of concern. The COA recommended electronic balloting similar to that of our Provincial Elections whereby a 3rd party is hired and there is no conflicts of interests. A number of new concerns hit the COA daily from Condo Owners who feel their rights are constantly being taken away from them.
More information
Part of the Rem Network.com
A Blind spot in new EV charging stations rules?
Ambassador for your Condo Building?
If you would like to make changes in your building, please consider becoming a COA "Ambassador" of your building. We have identified that every Condominium needs an Ambassador to work together with the COA. There is too much going on behind the scenes in the Condo Buildings with Board of Directors and Property Management. Owners are still being misrepresented and/or ignored. Condo Annual General Meetings are still a horror movie, but who are the Villains? Sadly, too often it is the Villains winning the Game and the losers are the Condo Owners.
Condo Owners are easily mislead as they try to surf through these takeovers. Who can they trust?
One of the key problems are Proxies! Proxies should not be controlled by Property Manager or the Board of Directors. The COA has recommended "Electronic Voting" of Board Members to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Proxies are the #1 problem in Condominiums because proxies are being forged and manipulated! The Power lies behind the closed doors of Property Management Office so how can a Condo Owner or even a legitimate Board Member compete? They can't it is that simple, it cannot be done. If your building has signs of distress you must realize you have to step out of the building for an opinion unless there is hard core evidence of wrong doing. Even then take the evidence and step out of the building.
The only solution to this problem is to have a COA Ambassador in each Condo Building! Contact COA
Associations are Important
Support your Condo Owners Association representing Condo Owners and Buyers.
There are various Association representation different sectors. Each and every one are extremely important. Below is a list of some of the Associations and whom they represent.
Condo Owners Association (COA)
......represents Condo Owners and Condo Buyers
Ontario Medical Association (OMA)
......represents our Medical Profession
Ontario Teachers Federation (OTF)
......represents our Teachers
Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
......represents our Police Officers
How Proxies Effect a Condo Election
Condo Owners please be extremely careful when you turn over your proxy to another person/s, a Condo Manager or Management Company or another 3rd party. The new licensing standards for Condo Management companies and Condo Managers prevents a Condo Manager in particular from soliciting for proxies either for voting and/or for quorum. Unfortunately, there is no exclusion at this time to prevent Condo Managers from receiving proxies and/or accepting the position as a proxy holder on behalf of an on-site or off-site Condo Owners who owns within the same Corporation where that Condo Manager represents.
The New Condominium Act and during the whole review process identified the need for licensing as a result of a thorough research into the industry. It appears as though more considerations and/or alerts need to be identified and regulated when it comes to Proxy Holders who have a conflict of interest in the voting process if there is a direct involvement with the same Condo Corporation.
It is imperative for Condo Owners to have fair and honest representation when electing candidates as a Board Members. Any manipulation relating to proxies and/or conflicts of those holding proxies can influence and control the final results of the elections. Remember candidates could be elected for up to 3 year terms and it is very difficult to remove Board Members in accordance with the Condo Act. It is best to ensure that Candidates win on their own merits and legitimate voting process.
Do you know or suspect if your condo building has this problem?
We would like to hear more from Condo Owners on this subject.
Please blog your comments on http://blog.coaontario.com/
Smoking Marijuana in Condos
Marijuana in Condos
Only a few months away, mid 2018 and marijuana is legal but how does that effect condominiums and community living. Can marijuana be banned from smoking in a Condominium Corporation if Federal Legislation allows people to consumer marijuana recreationally. Condo Boards are within their rights to bank smoking in units if they create a rule for Unit Owners to vote against it. They can quote concerns on the security and safety of the Owners and/or residents in the building and they can also take this initiative towards the Corporation / Building itself. For many years since new regulation regarding smoking came into place, there was always health concerns on 2nd hand cigarette smoke along and its negative impact on Real Estate values. Regulation hit the housing sector and also commercial entities and workplace. Grandfather rulings when creating a smoke-free policy can create a platform for present owners and/or tenants however if this policy is in place when new Owners or Tenants take possession and/or occupancy they would have to abide by the policy.
Please bare in mind there are two concerns:
1) Smoking within the unit
2) Smoking in common elements around the building.
* Common elements includes lobby, hallways, stairwell, underground, any of the amenities etc.
It would be recommended for all Landlords to ensure that they include special clauses in their Lease Agreements to cover a smoke-free environment. In todays real estate world it is common practice pertaining to cigarettes, it now has to be adjusted to include marijuana or maybe just include a clause to cover any form of smoking substance. The present Tenant Laws have seen significant changes in the last few months with the introduction of a standardized Lease Agreement in effect as of May 1, 2018. No doubt the Country is going to see significant changes and possibly legal challenges. It is important for all to understand that medical marijuana use will be permitted anywhere that cigarette smoking is allowed.
Ontario asked for your public opinion until March 2018 and the Condo Owners Association (COA) is following up now to hear your thoughts as the whole marijuana issues unfolds. There will be up to 150 stores run by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario for people 19 years and older. Private lounges are already underway and set-backs are on radar for school zone areas.
Let's hear from Condo Owners
How do you feel about recreational pot consumption in the public spaces of your condo and/or in your own condo unit?If you are a Condo Owner Investor, what precautions would you consider and do you agree with a ban on smoking marijuana in rental units?
http://blog.coaontario.com/
Air Bnb on That Channel
http://www.thatchannel.com
LIVE ON THAT CHANNEL * Announcement Media Event by D'Anise Marie
Guest: Linda Pinizzotto, COA Founder and President
Condo Owners Association COA Ontario
#COAontario and #COAtoronto urges #AirBnB to respect June 1 deadline
“We are deeply concerned that AirBnB and transient rentals in general are not regulated or legislated and believe that without any degree of this form of protection, the safety and security within condominiums may be compromised. Condominiums are personal residences and not hotels, the turnover rate involved with transient rentals affects the operations, operational expenses and value of condominium corporations. The added wear and tear on common elements is a deep concern, contribution levels on reserve funds may not be adequate. We stand behind strong, healthy condominium communities and look forward to proper implementation of regulation and legislation on all aspect to protect Condo Owners.”
SUPPORT COA CAMPAIGN on Air Bnb
As a Condo Owner if you are concerned about ghost hotels, disruptive short-term rentals or the loss of affordable housing stock in your neighbourhood? Please become a supporter of our campaign.
If you have a story to share, we would sincerely like to hear from you
Air Bnb on That Channel
That Channel is a wonderful forum supporting free speech. A way to reinvent media since 2004 and featuring Internet Television & Video Productions
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @COAontario @COAtoronto
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
| Volunteer Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Administrative | |
| Communications and Marketing | |
| Graphics and Design | |
| Human Resources | |
| IT - Information Technology | |
| Marketing and Advertising | |
| Politics and Government Relations | |
| Project Management |
How to register to Volunteer?
- Email completed signed form : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- COA will contact you within 72 hours once they have reviewed your application.
- Note: Some rules apply relating to volunteers qualifications and acceptance.
- Thank you for volunteering to help COA.
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Volunteer as an Intern with COA
Excellent opportunity for our Youth and Young Adults to connect with each other and learn about Home Ownership. The Condo Market is exciting and interesting.
Our founder, Linda Pinizzotto created the Association with a vision for an Internship program to give our young adults and students a hands-on approach to gain life experiences towards an invaluable and rewarding future of understanding value and home ownership.
Why apply to the COA Internship Program
- Jump start your future career as a Young Adult in you City
- Network and connect with valuable professional business contacts
- Receive coaching, leadership and mentorship from experts
- Helps to develop your Career in various areas of business
- Interact with our 3 Levels of Government
- This is a volunteer Internship Program
How to Volunteer
- Complete: Student Volunteer Form
- Print and Sign Volunteer Form
- Email signed completed form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!
| Internship Opportunities | |
|---|---|
| Administrative | |
| Communications and Marketing | |
| Graphics and Design | |
| Human Resources | |
| IT - Information Technology | |
| Marketing and Advertising | |
| Politics and Government Relations | |
| Project Management |
TORONTO GENERAL HEALTH
COVID-19 FACT SHEET
General Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
Practice and Disinfection Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings
VIEW BULLETIN FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/8ecd-General-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Practice-and-Disinfection-Guidance-for-Commercial-or-Residential-Buildings.pdf
Landlords, Condo Boards urged to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19
27-Mar-2020The City of Toronto is urging Landlords and Condo Boards to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19. Large residential buildings with a high number of units require new practices and a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent viral spread.
Building operators and staff should follow these guidelines to protect residents in vertical communities:
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer or a hand washing station with soap and water should be placed at all building entrances.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be available in all common areas that remain open, such as laundry rooms.
• Close non-essential common areas such as bathrooms, gyms, playrooms, playgrounds and other high traffic areas.
• Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces in common areas, including doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads, with common household cleaners and disinfectants.
• Organize the building to accept deliveries of essential goods, like medications, for residents to avoid non-essential trips outside.
• Post signage limiting the number of residents allowed in common areas, including laundry rooms and elevators, to ensure that individuals are able to maintain a two-metre distance. Consider allowing a maximum of three residents at a time in elevators.
• When showing units or suites for sale or lease, practice physical distancing - keep a safe distance of two metres from the resident and wash hands with soap
and water, and or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before and after the visit.
Additional information regarding General Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings can be found here: toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/8ecd-General-Infection-Prevention-and-Control-Practice-and-Disinfection-Guidance-for-Commercial-or-Residential-Buildings.pdf
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports, and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
Quotes:
"Making sure people are practicing physical distancing within vertical communities presents a unique challenge. That's why it's imperative that Landlords and Condo Boards move forward with rigorous health and safety measures now to protect residents from COVID-19. Thank you to those who have already taken action. We are sending out these guidelines today to make sure everyone in these communities knows what they need to do to stop the spread of COVID-19."
- Mayor John Tory
“It is impossible for renters to adopt life-saving hygiene and social distancing practices if hand sanitizer isn’t accessible and elevators and common areas are crowded. That’s why the City of Toronto is asking landlords to protect their tenants’ health by immediately implementing a COVID-19 action plan in their building.”
- Councillor Josh Matlow, Toronto-St. Paul’s (Ward 12)
"The City is requesting that large residential buildings practice rigorous sanitization and physical distancing practices. It’s essential that landlords implement these common-sense measures to protect their tenants during this difficult time.”
- Councillor Paula Fletcher, Toronto-Danforth (Ward 14)
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofto.Media Relations
416-338-5986
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Discounts and Savings
- COA offers special savings and benefits
See these links for our Guide
- Condo Owners Guide
- Condo Services Guide
- Email COA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
New Discount on Vitamix Products
The COA is pleased to announce a "New 15% Savings plus free delivery for Condo Owners"
- Simply Email the COA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- COA will provide the discount Code to you with our Compliments
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Condo Owners Association COA partners with Skyrise Living
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10% - 25% |
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TRI-CAN - JCO & Associates - LAR and Owners
Charged with conspiracy to commit fraud
The Competition Bureau announced that they have laid multiple criminal charges against four companies and three individuals. The charges related to an alleged conspiracy to commit fraud and rig bids for condominium refurbishment services in the GTA Greater Toronto Area issued by private condominium corporations between 2009 a nd 2014.
Click for: Full News Release Article
"The companies and individuals are charged under the Criminal Code with conspiracy to rig bids, conspiracy to commit fraud, and fraud over $5,000"
1. TRI-CAN Contract Incorporated and Owner Bob Vlahopoulos
2. JCO & Associates (912547 Ontario Inc) and Owner Jose De Oliveira
3. LAR Condominium Refurbishment Specialist
4. CPL Interiors Ltd. is also charged under conspiracy provision of Competition Act
Interesting Quick Facts
- Cracking down on cartels - Top Priority for the Competition Bureau
- Immunity and Leniency Programs - Immunity or leniency in return for cooperation
- Whistleblowing Initiatives - Info about a violation of the Competition Act
- Competition Bureau Canada - Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition
Should the Province Protect Condo Buyers
on new Condo Projects?
The COA would like to hear from you
Click to Blog or Tweet COAontario COAtoronto
Condo Buyers lose hopes and dreams when doors close! Buyers are putting their life on hold buying New Construction, what risks are they facing the minute they sign on the dotted line.
COA recommended more disclosures on New Construction during the Condo Act Review. Some of our recommendations were accepted but many were not. When can Buyers feel they have protection from signing to completion. Buyers check out construction sites with excitement on a daily basis. Then all of a sudden, they have sleepless nights because something has gone wrong. Why hasn't ground broken yet, are the workers on strike, why doesn't anything look different from last week, last month? The question, concerns and distress grows daily as the unknown is yet to be announced.
- Junction Triangle Condo - Hundreds of Toronto Condo Buyers Lose Homes after development fails by John Lancaster * CBC News
- Go Mimico Development - More than 200 Condo Buyers by John Lancaster * CBC News
- Cosmos Condominiums - Developer cancels project in Vaughan - Sean O'Shea - Consumer Reporter Global News
Buyer's Beware
Does the reputation of the builder help, seems to be a key question but there is no answer until that unexpected letter comes in the mail and the inevitable future of your home slowly seeps down the drain. There is no solution on time periods either, reports of construction site closures can be at anytime and will have a variety of effects depending on the market conditions not only at the time of announcement but also the effects of the Real Estate market from the time of signing onwards. The Toronto Real Estate Market has increased 20% in the past year plus and there is ongoing market updates on continued shortage of inventory in the condo sector and increasing values.
- Toronto Real Estate's Harsh New Reality by Daniel Tencer * Huff Post
- Buying a Pre-Construction Condo Risk and Reward by Lydia McNutt * The Blog 8 Huffpost
- Consumer Protection Act
Is it a case of a Builder not receiving their "Building Permit"? Are there zoning bylaws or other restrictions impacting the building permit process. Is this a municipal issue or possibly provincial concern where the other Ministry's should get involved. We have heard numerous reports of the same issue.
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