Dates Announced for New Condo Law Changes
Please note the article below is an excerpt directly from the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services – for a direct link to the original article please click here. Wilson, Blanchard Management is sharing this information in the best interests of our clients and the condominium industry.
Ontario is making progress on its commitment to increase consumer protection in condos and improve how condos are run. The ministry is excited to announce a number of new protections under the amended Condominium Act (Condo Act) and the Condominium Management Services Act (CMSA) that will be taking effect this fall, and in early 2018.
New Condo Law Changes:
Condo Act – New changes to the general regulation under the Condo Act are now available on the e-laws website. These changes include increased protections for condo owners, including improvements to how condos in Ontario are governed and greater transparency and accountability of condo boards. (Please note that it may take several days before updates are added to Ontario Regulation 48/01).
Condo Authority Tribunal – A new regulation is also available on the e-laws website that supports the establishment of the Condominium Authority Tribunal. The tribunal will offer alternative dispute resolution services for certain types of disputes prescribed by this regulation.
Condo Manager Licensing – As a reminder, a new regulation regarding licensing of condo managers and management providers was previously released and is available on the e-laws website.
When Changes Take Effect:
On November 1, 2017 – Most Condo Act changes, including the new tribunal, and the licensing provisions of the CMSA will come into effect.
On February 1, 2018 – Remainder of the CMSA will come into effect.
Designation of Administrative Authorities:
On September 1, 2017 – The Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) will be designated as the condominium authority for purposes of the Condo Act and will become responsible for the administration of certain provisions of the Condo Act, including management and oversight of the tribunal. You can find more information on the CAO’s website.
On November 1, 2017 – The Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) will be designated as the administrative authority for purposes of the CMSA and will become responsible for administering the CMSA including licensing condo managers and providers. You can find more information on the CMRAO’s website.
What’s Coming Next:
The ministry will be releasing in the near future:
- A series of new forms under the Condo Act to make it easier for condo corporations and owners to comply with the new requirements.
- A set of plain language guides and fact sheets to help Ontario’s condo community better understand the new condo law changes.
- The education and exam requirements for condo managers.
The ministry will also be seeking public input on future regulations, including:
- Public registry of condo corporations.
- Complaints procedures, code of ethics and insurance requirements for condo managers.