Rod Escayola
Are we Facing a Condo Insurance Crisis?
Many are sounding the alarm, claiming that the condo industry is facing an insurance crisis. We will explore this over the next few posts. In the meantime, to help us better understand the state of insurance in the condo world, we encourage our readers to take our survey on condo insurance. [This survey is easier to […]
Condos Must Notify Owners Before Commencing Lawsuits 2.0
In a recent decision, the Ontario Court of Appeal has confirmed that condo corporations must advise owners of their intention to commence a lawsuit but, reversing a 37 year old legal precedent, it has injected some flexibility in how courts will deal with a corporation’s failure to comply with this obligation. The facts of the […]
Condos Cannot Lien the Cost of Seeking Compliance
A recent Toronto decision (Amlani v. YCC 473) has made it far more difficult for condo corporations to get indemnified when seeking compliance from owners. The decision is also a friendly reminder for condo corporations to act reasonably and to prefer resolution over litigation. Facts of the case The facts are complex but can be […]
Condo Tasks to do this Month
As the blissful haze of the holiday period dissipates, it’s back to regular business to all of the Condo Geeks out there. With this post, let us remind you of some tasks requiring your (near) immediate attention. Apply for the new Electricity Rebate Program Last November, the province introduced a new Ontario Electricity Rebate program […]
The Condo Director Who Stole Christmas
As we approach year end and embark on our collective mad-dash towards the holidays, we thought we’d revisit a Christmas classic and adapt it to the condo world. Here’s our last post of the year; our Condo Christmas Story. Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved. You’re a […]
Cameras and Police Investigations on Common Elements: Limits of Board Authority
The Ontario Court of Appeal has issued an important decision giving condo boards some clarity on how much they are expected to cooperate with police investigations. It also traces clear limits on investigatory powers police have on common elements. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal helps us understand whether police can conduct investigations on common elements, […]
Changes to “Slip and Falls” Involving Condos?
The province of Ontario is considering potential changes to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which (if adopted) would bring drastic changes to how claims for slip and falls can be brought against condo corporations. Indeed, Norman Miller (the Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP) is sponsoring a private members’ bill aimed at imposing strict (and very short) time limits to […]
First 10 Things to do After a Condo AGM
Your condo just held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). New directors were elected (maybe even more daunting, you were elected). Now what? There’s lots of work ahead, certainly! But where do you start. Allow us to list the first 10 things you should consider doing following the AGM: Task #1: Proxies, ballots and registration sheets As mundane as […]