Release date: January 15, 2021

A lot has changed since our last COVID-19 update on November 3, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen in Ontario, and particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. The CCI-T Legislative Committee has been monitoring the new governmental restrictions and public health guidelines. Below is a brief overview of the new restrictions, but for more detail, be sure to consult the new and existing regulations, and contact legal counsel and/or public health authorities.

What do the new government restrictions mean for condominium corporations?

• Masks: The mask requirements have not changed. It is still mandatory for everyone to wear a face mask which covers the mouth, nose and chin, in all indoor common areas, unless one or more exceptions apply. Wearing a mask is now recommended outdoors as well.
• Physical Distancing: Everyone on the common elements must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person, except from their caregiver or from members of the person’s household, unless certain exceptions apply.
• Indoor Gatherings: Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are prohibited (except with members of the same household). With these restrictions, under no circumstances should condominium corporations be hosting indoor meetings.
• Outdoor Gatherings: The gathering limits for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings have been reduced to 5 people outdoors, provided that physical distancing and face covering rules are followed.
• Amenities: Toronto Public Health strongly recommends that all condominiums close non-essential common areas such as gyms, pools, spas (whirlpool, hot tubs), playrooms and other high-traffic areas to be consistent with provincial restrictions.
• Construction: Non-essential construction is further restricted (the restrictions are set out in the new regulations, hyperlinked above). If a condominium corporation is unsure whether their construction project or construction in a unit is in compliance with the new restrictions, legal counsel should be contacted.
• Reporting Obligations: On January 4, 2020, the City of Toronto Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction to all workplaces, which, among other things, imposes reporting obligations on businesses/organizations (which includes condominium corporations) with respect to COVID-19. A copy of this important Letter of Instruction can be found here.

The CCI-T Legislative Committee intends on providing further COVID-19 updates, if and when additional information is released.

CCI is committed to providing regular ongoing updates regarding all legislation concerning condominiums, in order to keep our members abreast of changes they need to be aware of.