Newsletters and Articles

On January 24, 2025, the Ontario government announced public consultations regarding the potential expansion of the matters that the Condominium Authority Tribunal (the “CAT”) can handle to include adjudicating disputes about owners’ meetings.

This expansion of the CAT’s jurisdiction is currently anticipated to occur on July 1, 2026.

But with the continued rise of civic mistrust in democratic elections, the CAT’s foray into condominium owners’ meetings is fraught with real risks and obvious pitfalls.

Living in a condominium combines the benefits of private ownership with the responsibilities of collective governance. As a lawyer practicing condominium law in Ontario, I regularly witness both the opportunities and challenges that shape the condominium experience. This article aims to provide Board members and property managers with practical insights designed to improve community living, ensure compliance with the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”) and the Declaration, Bylaw and Rules (“Governing Documents”), and foster a harmonious community environment.

With a possible Canada Post strike on the horizon, condominium corporations must consider how to comply with the service of notice requirements of the Condominium Act, 1998 (the Act) when mail service may be unavailable.

In a recent court case, a unit owner was ordered to sell their unit after a series of abusive and harassing behaviors. This individual filed baseless complaints against various regulatory bodies and harassed other residents, even spray-painting swastikas on doors and making offensive remarks. Despite an initial injunction, the harassment continued, leading the court to enforce a forced sale of the unit within six months. The court also awarded $55,000 in legal costs.

This case highlights the serious consequences of harassment in condominiums and serves as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated.

An Alberta court ruled that a condo corporation must investigate noise complaints from common areas. The board's refusal to address the noise from a lounge wall adjoining Ms. Aubin's unit was deemed oppressive. The corporation must now assess and potentially improve the wall's soundproofing.

The City of Toronto’s staff report proposes amendments to the 2020 short-term rental by-law to address identified issues. Key suggestions include tightening the principal residence condition, raising fees for operators and companies significantly, and enhancing data sharing and verification requirements. If City Council approves these changes in April, they are set to be implemented by June 30, 2024.