Energy Consumption and Water Use

Reporting Requirements
 

Reducing Your Costs

Fighting Climate change 

Mandatory Reporting System 

1. Commercial and Industrial buildings first report - July 1, 2018
2. Condominium Multi-Residential Buildings - first report July 1, 2019

Condo Owners Association (known as COA Ontario) was Founded on March 2010 by Linda Pinizzotto, a Toronto/Mississauga Realtor who had a vision to create the 1st Non-Profit Association to represent Condo Owners and design a mechanism for awareness and representation in the Political forefront within all levels of Government across the Province of Ontario.  There are over 1.3 Million Condo Owners who need a cohesive united voice to represent them on many important issues. COA supports the development of its members and fosters a prosperous and sustainable economic environment while contributing to the quality of life in the condo community.  

Linda's vision included a Condo Owners Association structure to represent Condo Owners in all of the Municipalities across the Province of Ontario.  The Municipalities and Regions are known as Divisions of COA Ontario and each have various Districts to identify their respective Wards.    he structure recognizes the vast amount of condominium owners and embraces various levels of government for representation in each Municipality and Region.    This structure allows a productive and communicative working environment with local Councillors, Members of Provincial Parliament, Members of Parliament and the various Ministry's of our Government. 

COA Ontario is growing steadily with additional strong commitment and dedication from bellow Board of Directors Bob Coffey, Ex Chair of KPMG and Derrick Thomas; President and CEO of ITMayDay.   Please view COA Submissions to Ministry relating to some recommendations.   COA is an active Senior Stakeholder in the Condo Act Review.  "Building a Better Condo Act"   Working to represent and advocate for Condo Owners Rights... please see quote at the bottom of the page on this Provincial website. 

Why Condo Owners need a Condo Owners Association 
 

Condo Owners are facing huge maintenance fees, problem Board of Directors and a Condo Act that needs to be updated to protect their interest.  There is a huge imbalance of the present structure which takes away the rights of Condo Owners and puts too much control in the hands of the Board of Directors therefore compromising Condo Owners rights.

The Condo Act needs changes and proper governance  ie; better Tarion Warranty Coverage,  government funded energy retrofitting plans, respect for Municipal height restrictions and no further interference from the Ontario Municipal Board; better building codes,  specific property tax assessment strictly relating to condos, a government bond with higher interest rates for condo reserve funds and education standards for Condo Board of Directors. 

The act must include compliance mandates and fines as deemed necessary (as per other acts) to insure the Boards are in compliance to the Act and Owners are protected.   We need to address the important needs of existing condominiums where prices are dropping and maintenance fees are way above the normal ratio to value. We need to review service related trades and create a defined price list for services.

Some COA Initiatives 

• Support Changes to the Condo Act working with Ministry of Consumer Services in Condo Act Review
• Meetings with MP's, MPP's and local Councillors in all Districts - across the Province of Ontario
• COA supported NDP Leader Andrea Horwath at HST Rally  Queen's Park, Toronto
• Preparing extensive reports and investigating numerous Condo Owners issues
• Meetings with Minister Margaret Best, Deputy Minister Giles Gherson
• Meetings with Hon J. Gerretson, Minister Consumer Services
• Discussions and Meetings with Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader
• Discussions on Condo Act  with Tim Hudak, Leader PC
• Meeting with John Campbell, CEO Waterfront Toronto
• Meeting with Go Transit, Metrolinx, Municipal Stakeholder Groups
• Meetings with condominium Board of Directors, Lawyers and Engineers
• Presentations to Carson Dunlop, Financial Institutions, several Corporate Firms
• City Official discussions and correspondence (Building, Zoning and By-Law Depts)
• Special Discussions with MPAC - Municipal Property Assessment Corporation- Property Taxes
• Press, Media and Political Conferences - CBC - CTV - Metro Morning - CP24 - That Channel
• Newspaper and Magazine Press Articles - Toronto Star, National Post, Local Magazines
• Social Media - 27 COA Twitter for City's across Ontario, Up-to-date Website, Videos
• COA supported NDP Leader Andrea Horwath at HST Rally  Queen's Park, Toronto

New Condo Act

The Province of Ontario “activated many new legislative provisions affecting the condo industry" on November 1st, 2017, however there are some aspects of the changes not in force as of yet.  The Ontario New Condominium Act is overseen by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.   

Condominium Law Changes   

Condominium Act  1998     

Bill 106, Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015 

What’s in force

The Province implement changes to the Condominium Act to governed and strengthen transparency and accountability of condo corporations.  The Province has also regulated Condo Management firms and Managers.  Here is an overview of some of the important changes:

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services posted and released 15 new forms now required to be used under the Condominium Act. These 15 forms will help standardize and facilitate communications between Condo Owners and Boards.  Most of which are mandatory.

Training & new Director disclosure

All directors elected or appointed after October 31, 2017 will have 6 months to complete mandatory training.

The CAO Condominium Authority of Ontario  is offering free online training modules, to cover a range of topics including director responsibilities and obligations.  The required training takes between 3 to 6 hours to complete.  At this time there are 21 short online modules, they are approximately 10 to 20 minutes each to be completed in any order.   Anyone can take this training whether you are a Director or not however Directors need to log in using their corporation’s account with CAO. Corporations receive their online account once they register with the CAO.  Non-directors wishing to take the courses will be able to do so by creating their own online profile with the CAO.  Access to this training can be done through the CAO’s training page.

Any director (appointed or elected after October 31, 2017) who fails to complete the required training within 6 months will immediately and automatically cease to be a director.

Director Disclosure Obligation

Directors will have to comply with new disclosure obligations to include:

1. whether they (or a related person) are party to any legal action;
2. whether they have been convicted of an offence under the Condo act; 
3. whether they have a material interest in a contract or transaction;
4. whether they are in arrears for more than 60 days.

Board meetings by electronic means

Boards may now hold board meetings by teleconference or by another form of electronic communications allowing concurrent communication between directors if all directors have consented to these methods of meetings.  Corporations will not have to have a law permitting these kinds of remote meetings.  Some Corporations do have these allowances on their declarations.

Mandatory licensing of managers

The Condo Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (the CMRAO) began on November 1, 2017 with an online portal allowing condo managers to apply for their management licence. They do have until January 29, 2018 to apply for their appropriate Management licence.  It is illegal to provide condo management services without a licence (or without a proof that you have applied for one and are waiting for the CMRAO to treat your application) after January 29, 2018.   Visit the CMRAO licensing page and click on the licence you wish to apply for. Once you are in the licensing portal you will need to create a profile with the CMRAO.

The new Condo Tribunal

The Condo Authority of Ontario (CAO) launched Ontario’s first online tribunal! This new tribunal will help decide and settle condominium related disputes in Ontario.  At this time the tribunal’s jurisdiction is limited to disputes related to the corporation’s records. It is expected to expand in time.  You will require a Tribunal's portal to commence or to respond to a new tribunal case

Information Certificates 

Condo Corporations are now obligated to provide owners with regular Information Certificates, containing information about the condominium corporation’s board, finances, insurance, reserve fund, legal proceedings and other matters about the corporation.

These certificates are to be provided to owners twice a year;  First: within 60 days after the end of the first and third quarter of the corporation’s fiscal year.   Such certificates are also to be provided within 30 days of any change to be reported and to every new owner. Corporations must use the prescribed Information certificate issued by the province see Forms

Annual General Meetings - AGM

Note: you must provide advance notices of owners meeting and reduced quorum

For any and all meetings of owners (including AGMs) held on or after December 11, 2017, the Corporation will have to send an advance notice of the meeting, using the form prescribed. This advance notice will advise owners, amongst other things, of the anticipated date of the meeting. It will confirm whether a director will be elected at the meeting and whether an auditor will be appointed. We have already blogged about how to call an AGM under the new Act.

Please ensure to use the prescribed form for the AGM notice

The required quorum to hold an owners’ meeting (including AGMs) remains at 25% but is there is a reduction to 15% if quorum is not met in the first two attempts.

Voting method and new proxies

Votes at owners’ meeting can continue to be held by show of hand, in person or by proxy but can now also be done by telephonic or electronic means if the corporation has a by-law permitting it.  These new electronic voting methods can include telephone calls, fax, email, touch-tone or computer systems.

Any owner using a proxy must now use the prescribed formed.  Corporations and owners can no longer make their own forms.

The new Condo Authority of Ontario

The CAO has been operative since September 1st, 2017. The Authority focusses on consumer protection and healthy condo communities across Ontario.  It provides trusted easy-to-use online information, training, dispute resolution, and other services to help improve condominium living. The CAO website is often the best place to start for anyone wishing to learn more about condo living or wishing to resolve a condo-related matter.

Keep in mind that it is mandatory that all condominium corporations must register with the CAO and they also must pay the CAO Assessment fee before December 31, 2017. .

What types of Condominiums apply under the Act

• Standard Condominiums - (low-rise, high-rise apartment buildings, stacked townhomes and townhomes)
• Leasehold Condominiums
• Vacant Land Condominiums
• Common Element Condominiums
• Phased Condominiums
• Almalgamated Condominiums   

Other Provincial Acts in the Canada

• British Columbia  Stratus Property Act
• Alberta      Condominium Property Act
• Manitoba  The Condominium Act
• Quebec     The Condominium Act
• Nova Scotia    Condominium Act amended
• New Brunswick    Condominium Property Act
• Newfoundland       Condominium Act, 2009
• Prince Edward Island    Condominium Act Regulations

ABOUT THE CONDO OWNERS ASSOCIATION (COA)?

The Condo Owners Association is a reg. non profit Association representing the best interest of all Condo Owners in Ontario with Chapters in each City across the Province.

ARE YOU ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN A CONDO CORPORATION?

Condominium Board of Directors who have approved "Membership" into the Condo Owners Association (COA)  understand the importance of managing the affairs of your Condo Corporation in compliance to the Provincial Condominium Act, 1998.

Click Here for: Introduction Letter & Request for Membership COA (PDF)

Click Here for: Application Membership Form For Condo Corporation (PDF)

CONDO OWNERS

IS YOUR CONDO CORPORATION A MEMBER OF CONDO OWNERS ASSOCIATION?

If your Condo Corporation is not a member of COA;  ask your Board of Directors "WHY NOT?

The cost is only $1.00 per unit owner (per year)  per building   ie. If you have 300 Unit Owners;  the cost is only $300.00 per year

If your Board of Directors refuses to join COA,  then their Condo Owners can join on their own at $10 per year. 

ARE YOU A PROPERTY MANAGER?

All Property Managers should tell their Board of Directors about Condo Owners Association (COA) and support its membership.

RETURN TO JOIN COA MEMBERSHIP

COA ONTARIO is growing and Accepting Volunteer Applications

COA Ontario represents Condo Owners Across the Province of Ontario.  We need volunteers to help with the various COA Divisions and Districts across the Province. The COA Toronto is the 1st Division of the COA and there are 12 Districts   For more details: www.COAToronto.com    If you would like to be involved we would like to hear from you. 

Be A Volunteer   

We request that you familiarize yourself with COA Ontario, and the associated geographic area within your District of Application.  Please complete the online application.

Divisions

The COA Ontario works closely with all Divisions of the COA and we required follow specific mandates and missions statements..  Each Divsions  is responsible to keep in constant contact with their Local Districts and associated committees plus create good relations with local Councillors, MPP's and MP's.   All information received through the Local Divisions and the Districts must be directed to COA Ontario.

Districts

If you are volunteering for a local District;  COA Ontario requires you to create a solid business relationships with your local Councillor, MPP's and MP's.  All Committee members represent COA Ontario Mission Statement under the umbrella of all Condo Owners who are members of COA in each respective District.

District committees will keep tabs on local developments, problems and issues relating to local condominium owners to report back to their Local COA Chapter. Each District within all of the Chapters will carry the same responsibility.   Each Division is responsible to provide this information to COA Ontario to ensure all important condo issues are represented through COA Ontario and our Provincial Government.

COA - Condo Owners Association Ontario

BYLAWS AND PROCEDURE

a)  The Chapters and Local Districts must make a commitment on behalf of their Chapter or District  and pass resolutions of their dedication and commitment to COA.

b)  The Chapters and Local Districts must agree to follow the policies, procedure and protocol of COA Ontario and adopt their Code of Ethics for COA Directors.

c)  The Chapters and Local Districts must sign acceptance of the By-law to govern COA Ontario which embodies all COA Chapters and Districts.

MEMBERSHIPS, MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, SPECIAL EVENTS AND SEMINARS

The Chapters and Local Districts must submit a formal request to COA Ontario for the following:

1)  A plan for their membership drive in their local District

2)  A plan for potential seminars and potential locations for same

3)  The COA Mentor program will be contacted for assistance at any time

4)  All COA membership fees msut be payable to COA Ontario

ADDRESS AND BANKING

1)  The Chapters and Local Districts must create an address to serve the new Chapter and/or District, a post office box is recommended to avoid address changes

2)  Set up a bank account in the name of the Local Chapter and/or District.  Identify two or three of the organizing committee to have signing authority

Please proceed to:   "Maintaining Certification" for all details

GETTING STARTED

1)  Set a date for your first meeting with the first order of business to adopt the COA By-Laws of the local Chapter and COA Ontario.

2)  The organizing committee shall be deemed the new Board of Directors for the local District.  The Board of Directors shall vote amongst themselves for the following positions:

President; Treasurer;  Secretary and if more than three Directors; a Membership and Communications Director.

3)  Create a list of District Directors to include their Position, Name, Address, Contact Numbers and Email Address.  Provide a copy to the local Chapter and COA Ontario.

4)  Prepare a Strategic Planning seminar

The Strategic Planning Seminar should define:

• Names of board and positions (i.e. President, Treasurer, etc)
• Possible list of committees (i.e. newsletter, education, website, etc) and names of each committee chair
• A List of Chapters and contact information of same
• A List of COA Ontario Executive Directors contact information of same
• A committee for media, press, newsletters and other means of communication
• Name and address of bank where District account is held

District to work with Local Chapter for all Press and Media Functions and also to include:

• Public seminars
• Membership recruitment booths
• Education Courses
• Newsletter or print, TV and Radio press

5)  Certification and recertification of a COA Chapter will allow the chapter to use the COA name and logo. However upon de-certification, that right will end.

6) The COA Board of Directors shall have the right to vary any of the requirements for certification or recertification based upon the special circumstances of any chapter, from time to time.

7) COA Ontario Board of Directors shall have the right to change and/or adjust requirements for certification or recertification based upon the circumstances of any chapter and/or District from time to time.

8)  COA Ontario Board of Directors shall have the right to implement related costs for membership of the related Chapters and Districts.

9)  Websites:  Please Note: COA Ontario will include a Chapter web site page for new Chapters upon certification and the local Chapter will include a District site page for new Districts.  The chapter will be responsible for adding content and monitoring the site for all Districts associated with that Chapter.   A Chapter can create its own web site at any time but must obtain approval from COA Ontario and ensure the design is in keeping with the layout and standards of COA Ontario.  In the event that a Chapter creates its own web site, that Chapter will be solely responsible for any costs.  COA Ontario is to have full right to link directly to all associated Chapters and if applicable their websites.

Districts Websites:  A District can create its own web site at any time but must obtain approval from their local Chapter and COA Ontario to ensure the design is in keeping with the layout and standards of COA Ontario.  In the event that a District creates its own web site, that District will be solely responsible for any costs.  COA Ontario is to have full right to link directly to all associated Districts and Chapters (if applicable

Please proceed to:   "Bylaws & Procedures" for all details

COA ONTARIO - CHAPTERS BY COUNTIES

COA is accepting applications from Condo Owners in these areas.

Please refer to: How to Apply Chapter