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Energy and Water Reporting
Energy Consumption and Water Use
Reporting Requirements
Multi-unit residential buildings including condominiums that are 50,000 square feet or greater with more than 10 units are required to report their energy and water use and GHG emissions to the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines annually by July 1st. Ontario Regulation. 506/18, Reporting of Energy Consumption and Water Use (EWRB) is being phased in over 3 years, and in 2019, buildings that are 100,000 square feet or greater are required to report.Details can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/180506
Reducing Your Costs
Energy use is one of the largest operating expenses in commercial and residential buildings.
It represents about 1/3 of typical building operating budgets.
The largest barrier to identifying cost efficiencies and making existing buildings more efficient is a lack of access to the data needed to measure and track energy performance.
Building that benchmark in other jurisdictions have shown as much as a 10% decrease in energy use in commercial buildings that implemented a small number of energy-efficiency strategies and monitoring systems.
The vast majority of buildings that benchmark have taken steps to improve performance by investing in low- or no-cost changes.
Fighting Climate change
By reducing your energy and water consumption you also help to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight climate change.. One of the main reasons is that buildings account for 19 per cent of Ontario's total greenhouse emissions. Comparing your condominium to similar buildings will help condominiums identify ways to reduce usage and costs
Mandatory Reporting System
The guidelines are very specific please view this link:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/measure-energy-and-water-use-large-buildings
Reporting being phased in over three years.
Please note your first deadline date:
- Commercial and Industrial buildings first report - July 1, 2018
- Condominium Multi-Residential Buildings - first report July 1, 2019
The steps to report, including obtaining your EWRB ID, are noted on the Provincial Government website. The website also includes information on the Portfolio Manager (PM) on-line reporting tool and a link to a Guide on how to report in PM.
In your second year of reporting your building's energy and water use intensity (how much is used per square foot/meter) will be made public on Ontario’s Open Data website catalogue.
SUBMIT A COMPLAINT
The Condo Owners Association (COA)
ALL CONDO OWNERS know your rights and responsibilities OWNING A CONDO
Condo Owners
File your complaint CAO and/or CMRAO
CAO - Condo Authority of Ontario
CMRAO - Condo Management Regulatory Authority Ontario
The complaints can be as a result of a number of difficulties with your Board of Directors and/or Property Management. Your Condo Corporation budget, expenditures, reserve funds, conditions, the process, the Annual General Meeting, the governance, design, décor and condition of your Condo Building and on a personal light , You can also report items of concern regarding the operations, governance and accountability.
Condo Owners no longer need to be kept in the dark, there are avenues available for support.
1) Harassment and/or bullied, major concerns not addressed etc. report Board of Directors
2) Harassment and/or bullied by Property Manager, report to CMRAO
CONDO OWNERS CAN REQUEST RECORDS OF THE CORPORATION AT ANY TIME
The Board of Directors Must Comply or Corporation is fined for non compliance
1) Request Records of the Corporation ie all Financials, Minutes of Meeting, AGM Minutes,
2) Board's Response to your Request for Records If the Board refuses your request you may wish to report this to the CAO Condo Authority of Ontario
3) Agreement to Access Records Condo Owners can view records and if they wish a paper copy there may be a small charge
4) Future Reserve Fund Spending - Note ALL Owners, your Board of Directors must advise Owners
SPECIAL WEBSITE Information
1) Land Property Records
2) Home and Community
All Condo Owners in Ontario
Owners can also request General Information of the Corporation and Board of Directors
1) Request General Information of the Corporation - Information for Owners about their Corporation
2) Information on Board of Directors Certificate Update - Names and Address of Service for their Board of Directors
3) New Owners Information Certificate - Information for New Owners about their Corporation
Complete and send the above forms to the "Attention of your Board of Directors"
In most cases this would be via your Property Manager.
Please ensure you receive confirmation of receipt.
Become a COA Ambassador of Your Condo
Note: Changes to the Condo Act
COA is thrilled to work with (MGCS) the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and we are delighted to have Bill 106 "Protecting Condominium Owners Act 2015" and the New Condo Management Services Act, 2015
(CAO) Condo Authority of Ontario aims to improve condominium living with mandatory training for Condo Directors and as a resource for disputes
CMRAO Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario regulates Condo Manager and Management firms licensing, education requirements and compliance.
Advertise on COA website
Promote your business work with the COA
Develop a Relationship with the COA
Special Events, working together with COA
If you and your company have ideas for "Special Events, Seminars and Marketing Initiatives, the COA would like to hear your thoughts.Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any new and exciting ideas to work together
New Guide to help Condo Owners and Condo Corporations
The COA has established relationships with various services, product companies and trades to help Condo Owners and Condo Corporations. We have launched two (2) recommendation Guides to our Website/s. The companies have shown to offer excellent representation and value for their expertise. These Guides offer a List of recommended businesses, trades and suppliers.The COA is keen on negotiating development incentive programs that Condo Owners may experience through Related Services Companies of the Condo Owners Association
Condo Owners Guide
Condo Corporation Guide
COA Partners and Past Partners
- Allstate Insurance of Canada
- International Home & Garden Show
- Clorox Canada – Glad
- Entire Imaging
- Geep Electronic Recycling
- Joseph Estate Wines
- Vision Quest
Disclosure: Condo Owners Association accepts no responsibility for any loss or dissatisfaction arising from any use or contractual relationship of services, or purchases to include incentives programs that Condo Owners may experience through Related Services Companies of the Condo Owners Association
CAN FUND Canadian Athletes Now
About CAN FUND
The Condo Owners Association COA Ontario believes in working with other Non Profit Organizations and Charities to the best of our ability. We are a supporter for the CAN FUND Canadian Athletes Now
We have included their mission statement below and would like to draw your attention to the CAN Fund website and donation support page. http://canadianathletesnow.ca/
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We want people to celebrate those who have impacted their lives.
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We want our athletes to succeed on the world stage.
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The Impact of both “Celebrate Impact, Impact Success”
Donating to CAN FUND
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/Donate.aspx?EventID=574&LangPref=en-CA
Mandatory Provincial Residential Tenancy Agreement
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.
Electric Vehicle Charging
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?
Residents Associations Ontario
COA Provincial Divisions
Note: Each COA Division has a Ward to embrace the Political structure of our Municipal, Provincial and Federal Level of Government.
This system provides COA to advocate for Condo Owners and provide a positive approach to balance and support for a "Better Condo Act and Condo Community. Let's help COA to build and create a strong Association to stand up for "your Rights" No different from the Teachers Association and all advocate Associations.
There are so many condominiums in Ontario. They range from low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise condo buildings, then there are different styles of townhouse in the residential market. There are also commercial and industrial condominiums.
The COA is your voice and why do you need a voice? Condominiums operate under the guidelines of the Provincial Legislation called the Condominium Act. As you know, you have a Board of Directors who run the affairs of the corporation through their Property Manager. The Board has to follow the Condominium Act which is overseen by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.
It is not easy for individuals to deal directly with Government but there is strength in numbers. The more Condo Owners who register with the Condo Owners Association, the more ability the Association has to advocate for stronger protection and to ensure that your rights are being addressed. It is similar to the Teachers Association or any other non Profit Association. The key thing to understand that without the COA how will changes be implemented.
COA Ontario needs to be informed about Condominiums in each city, therefore we have designed several Divisions and we hope to have more and more volunteerism as we continue to grow. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteerism form and email it to our office.
Benefits of COA Divisions under COA Ontario
Structure allows interaction with MPP's, Local Mayor sand Councillors and City Staff on municipal regulatory relating to condominiums
Provides representation for Condo Owners on numerous stakeholder and expert groups
Benefits of COA Divisions having Districts
Structure allows interaction with every Riding and Ward within a Division
Creates a close working relationship with local MPP, Mayor and City Staff on municipal regulatory relating to condominiums
Ensures representation for Condo Owners on numerous stakeholder and expert groups
Example COA Toronto - is a Division of COA Ontario
Toronto is the fastest growing condominium community in Ontario
Has 44 Political Ridings which are the COA Districts
Example: 1 District is Trinity Spadina District which is Ward 19 and Ward 20
Trinity-spadina - Ward 20 has over 70,000 condominium owners since 2012
Click to view: 44 Wards and 12 Political Ridings
Be an Ambassador of your Condo Building
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
AAAAAA no dont use
Working Together
COA Ontario Supporting awareness for our Non Profits and Charities Organizations / Associations.
The Condo Owners Association says "Kudos to the Volunteers and the grass roots of Volunteerism"
We have links to various Organizations and Association relating to:
CAN FUND Canadian Athletes
Children Kiwanis Club
The Condo Owners Association recognizes how Charitable Organizations and Non Profit Associations play an important role in everyone’s lives
Children
Believe in Kids - Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls clubs
Darling Home for Kids www.darlinghomeforkids.ca
Sleeping Children Around the World www.scaw.org
HealthALS Society of Canada www.als.ca
Alzheimer Society of Canada http://www.alzheimer.ca/en
Autism Canada www.autismcanada.org
Breast Cancer www.bcsc.ca
Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca
Halton Trauma Centre http://www.haltontraumacentre.ca/index.php
Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.com
Hospice of Peel www.hearthousehospice.com
Movember http://ca.movember.com/about/funding-overview/
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada www.mssociety.ca
Oakville Trafalgar Hospital www.haltonhealthcare.com
Prostrate Cancer Canada www.prostratecancer.ca
Road Hockey for Cancer http://www.teamuptoconquercancer.ca
Sîan Bradwell Fund For Children With Cancer www.sianbradwell.com
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada http://www.tourette.ca
Trillium Health Centre Foundation www.trilliumhealthcentre.org
Wellspring www.wellspring.ca
Prostrate Cancer Canada www.prostratecancer.ca
CHARITIES United Way Oakville http://www.uwoakville.org
United Way Mississauga http://www.unitedwaypeel.org
United Way http://www.unitedway.ca
NON PROFITS
Mississauga Heritage Society http://www.heritagemississauga.com/index.php
Look Good Feel Better https://www.lgfb.ca
Armagh http://armaghhouse.ca
Women’s Shelter Gift Basket Campaign http://www.annualbasketdrive.ca
Freedom Walk http://www.forfreedomsake.myevent.com/participant/20397
The Compass www.thecompass.ca
Ian Anderson House www.ianandersonhouse.com
Robert Land Academy www.rla.ca
Feel Free to contact the Condo Owners Association to have your non profit Association and/or Organization listed on our website with our compliments.
JOIN THE COA
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