Condo Living

August 4, 2026 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Farzad Lahouti

CondoSTRENGTH at Its Best: Managing A NORC

From the Summer 2026 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

CondoSTRENGTH is a committee within the CCI-Toronto community that brings condominium directors together to discuss issues affecting their communities today. Since its inception, its purpose has remained focused: ‘For Directors, by Directors.’

While committee members typically select the topic and organize these twohour events, it is the directors themselves who drive the discussion. Participants gather in small groups to share experiences, learn from one another, and discuss how different condominium communities are addressing similar challenges. The results are truly phenomenal, as there is nothing quite like peers with a shared goal of improving their communities through collaboration and sharing experiences. Some condo board members have even called it magic!

On a lovely Saturday morning in April, the spring CondoSTRENGTH session was held at YCC 216. Our gracious hosts are also known as the 2025 CCI-T Condo of the Year award winner. The subject of the session was both unique and timely:

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs).

What is a NORC? The term refers to a community that was not originally planned for seniors but has naturally evolved as long-time residents ‘age in place’. These communities provide opportunities for the larger condo community to better accommodate aging populations.

While many condominium communities naturally evolve into retirement-oriented communities over time, the subject has perhaps never received focused attention on how best to plan for and manage related challenges and opportunities.

Directors formed groups of five to ten members and discussed the topic while enjoying coffee, tea, sweets, and refreshments. It was directors talking to directors, with only one CCI-Toronto facilitator guiding the discussion by posing questions and helping keep conversations on track. The results were once again remarkable.

One overarching idea emerged clearly: an opportunity to reimagine care models that leverage the natural density of condominium communities while supporting older adults in remaining active, healthy, and socially engaged.

Directors in the session identified several areas of concern and ways professionals in the field could assist:

• Insurance-related considerations for aging residents
• The importance of committees and inclusivity initiatives
• Establishing buddy systems within communities
• Greater involvement of Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
• Raising awareness, particularly among property managers, through NORC initiatives and related programs
• ACMO/CCI educational sessions for both directors and industry professionals, with eligibility for manager education credits
• Exploring government funding opportunities for NORCs, perhaps through the CAO
• Encouraging additional research and articles on the subject

With fifteen years of experience serving as a condo director in two very different communities, I can personally attest that CondoSTRENGTH offers a wealth of practical knowledge on managing complex condominium issues, all within relatively short face-to-face sessions. Most importantly, both success stories and lessons learned help directors adopt better practices. Ideas generated during CondoSTRENGTH sessions can be shared with other directors and ultimately help us build healthier, happier communities.

It is also worth noting that each CondoSTRENGTH event is hosted by a CCIToronto member condominium community, and the committee is always appreciative of these communities for opening their doors and sharing their space.

Naturally, conversations about other building and community-related matters often emerge during these sessions as well. Some communities offer tours of their facilities and share renovation experiences with fellow directors. As a condo director, it is always valuable to learn how another community has addressed a similar challenge.

Condo directors are therefore strongly encouraged to attend CondoSTRENGTH events, share their experiences, raise new concerns, and work together with industry professionals to help our communities grow and thrive.

Farzad Lahouti, Lawyer Real, Estate Broker