Condo Living

March 20, 2026 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter

The Future of Condos: An overview of the 2025 Condo Conference session

From the Winter/Spring 2026 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

The Future of Condos kicked off with a clear message: the future is already here, and it arrived wearing a cape and tights. Moderator Shane Haskell, CEO & President of Lionheart Property Management, opened the session by transforming himself into an AI superhero in a video intro, setting the tone for a conversation on how to better prepare for the future and how AI can help.

The discussion opened with Shane and Nicholas Gill, Director of Sales & Partner at BuildingLink, discussing one statement all condo managers can agree on: condo residents want more than a unit, they want an experience. Today’s technologies are pushing condo management away from reactive firefighting and toward proactive, preventative, and transparent systems. AI, automation, and smart platforms are already improving communication, security, maintenance planning, and decision-making, leading to elevating the resident experience.

Sustainability emerged as a theme through ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Andrée Ball, Vice President, Corporate Services of Keller Engineering, emphasized that sustainability isn’t just about carbon reduction; it’s about creating inclusive, connected communities. Strong governance is the backbone that makes that possible. Reality, though, is catching up with yesterday’s designs. Premature failures are becoming increasingly common as climate conditions strain aging buildings. The takeaway: buildings must now be designed, maintained, and retrofitted with tomorrow’s climate in mind. Enter the Enhanced Reserve Fund Study (ERFS). By integrating decarbonization and energy- efficiency planning, ERFS goes beyond asking “what will this cost?” to “how can we lower emissions and operating costs over time?” Comparing traditional replacement approaches with greener alternatives gives boards a clearer roadmap for long- term resilience.

Shane Haskell challenged the panel to consider how boards and managers can stay compliant without being buried in legal complexity. This is when Chris Jaglowitz, Principal of Common Ground Condo Law, jumped in and noted that many challenges stem from an outdated Condo Act that hasn’t kept pace with climate, infrastructure, or sustainability realities. Andrée illustrated how this plays out on the ground, where “like-for-like” rules and the lack of mandatory inspections force boards to opt for short-term fixes rather than durable upgrades. The consensus was clear: until legislation evolves, compliance must become a proactive culture, supported by education, regulation, and practical pathways rather than a constant, reactive chore.

Technology took center stage as it has become more and more a part of our daily lives. AI adoption in property management is moving fast, and panelists agreed that over the next five years, three shifts will define the industry: automation of repetitive tasks, a single digital “front door” for residents and boards, and buildings evolving into smart, data-rich assets. Robots for cleaning and security? Not sci-fi, just early.

Together, they looked ahead. The mid-2030s will bring smarter buildings, electrification as the norm, and tighter regulatory expectations. By the 2050s, condos could be net-zero, energy-producing, climate-resilient vertical communities. And in the far future? AI- governed buildings, circular materials, and even off- planet property management. Only the future will tell.

Join us at the next Condo Conference, November 13th and 14th, to see where the future of condos is headed. Don’t worry, the future condos might run on algorithms, but we’re still holding the wine glasses at the rooftop party.

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