January 15, 2021 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Nancy Houle - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

I think it’s fair to say that the pandemic has mainly worsened life for all of us – and has been particularly tough on many. In this blog, however, I’d like to reflect on some “silver linings” in this awful cloud.

January 13, 2021 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Davidson Houle Allen LLP

The Ontario government announced yesterday that it is declaring a second province-wide state of emergency. Click below to find out more about the new restrictions that will be in place and what this means for condominiums.

January 8, 2021 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Mohiminol Khandaker - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

The government is currently holding written public consultations about making permanent changes to the legislation to enable virtual and digital processes under the Condominium Act, 1998. Click below to learn more about what changes are being considered and how you can provide your feedback.

The Basics

August 1, 2020 CCI Original Content - Published by CCI National - Author(s): CCI - James Davidson (Davidson Houle Allen LLP)

Condo Cases Across Canada

Condo Cases Across Canada is a quarterly publication of the Canadian Condominium Institute, National Chapter. Each issue contains summaries of some of the latest condominium decisions (from Courts and Administrative Tribunals) across the country. Not all cases are summarized. But most of the key condominium cases are summarized.

COVID-19

April 9, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Davidson Houle Allen LLP

UPDATE – COVID-19: Are Lawn Maintenance Services Essential in Ontario?

As such, we’ve updated our blog (with new information highlighted in red) to help property mangers and Boards assess whether their landscaping work should proceed.

COVID-19

April 9, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Emily Deng - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Not an Excuse

A recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, released on April 2, 2020, highlights the Court’s message to the legal profession that while in-person hearings have been suspended, where it is fair and in the interest of justice to move forward by other means, the parties should do so. To that end, the Court of Appeal sent parties who had an upcoming appeal a notice setting out various options

COVID-19

April 8, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Victoria Craine - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

2020 Ontario Court Decision Respecting Non-Urgent Repairs during COVID

Last week, the Ontario Superior Court considered whether to prevent third party contractors from entering a condominium building to complete non-urgent repair work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19

April 6, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Melinda Andrews - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19: Ontario Government Publishes Revised List of Essential Services

The Ontario Government has recently expanded business closures and limited the list of essential services that are allowed to continue providing services at the moment

COVID-19

April 2, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19 FAQ – Issue #3: How Should Moves and Unit Showings Be Handled?

As the province enters another week of social distancing and self-isolation, many condominium Managers and Boards may be wondering how the approach to certain building operations should be changed to ensure public health and safety.

COVID-19

March 31, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Cheryll Wood - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19: City of Ottawa Enforcement Measures

Over past couple of days, the Ontario Government implemented additional measures under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (“EMCPA”) to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures include restricting gatherings of more than 5 people and closing parks and equipment.

COVID-19

March 30, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): James Davidson - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19: Some General Thoughts for Condo Boards

These are exceptional, critical times for condominium corporations. Condominiums are at the very heart of the COVID-19 crisis, because they are potential “hot spots” for the transmission of the virus. What does this mean for condominium Boards and their Managers? What is their overall obligation at this critical time?

COVID-19

March 25, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19 FAQ – Issue #2: How Will Building Operations Be Affected?

By now, many will have seen the Ontario government’s published list of “Essential Businesses” which will be permitted to remain open over the next 14 days and likely beyond (also check out our previous blog post on this topic). While this may provide some guidance regarding the availability of condominium management and maintenance services, we hope to answer some further questions on everyday building operations in this blog post.

COVID-19

March 25, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Victoria Craine - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Prohibiting Short-Term Tenancies During the COVID-19 Crisis

There is no question that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be very contagious, and that widespread community transmission is now happening. This is a concern in a condominium community, where residents are living in close proximity and are sharing common element areas with others.

COVID-19

March 24, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Melinda Andrews - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

What Does the Shut Down of Non-Essential Services Mean for Condos?

The Ontario Government has ordered a mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday March 24th at 11:59 pm. The closure will be in effect for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension if needed.

COVID-19

March 24, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Christy Allen - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19: The Impact on the Tarion Claim Process in Ontario

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on daily life in Ontario, Tarion has responded by acknowledging the potential impact the crisis may have on the ability of condominiums to complete their performance audits, and by committing to review situations where such delay may occur on a case by case basis. While Tarion is not confirming that deadlines applicable to the filing of any performance audits will necessarily

COVID-19

March 23, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): James Davidson - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Ontario Suspends Limitation Periods

Due to the COVID-19 declared state of emergency, the province of Ontario has suspended all “limitation periods”, and all “provisions establishing any period of time within which any step must be taken in any proceeding (or intended proceeding)”, under any statute, regulation, rule, by-law or Order of the Government of Ontario.

COVID-19

March 23, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Mohiminol Khandaker - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What About the Courts?

Given the recent disruption to certain services as a result of COVID-19, we’ve put together this summary of the most up-to date information respecting court and administrative tribunal proceedings. We hope this is helpful to our clients (and fellow legal professionals) as we navigate this unprecedented situation.

COVID-19

March 23, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): James Davidson - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Some Practical Considerations for Condominiums

We’ve been receiving many excellent practical questions from condominium Boards and Managers surrounding COVID-19 (particularly how to manage activities in the condominium during this health crisis).

COVID-19

March 23, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19 FAQ – Issue #1: What If a Resident Tests Positive?

As we enter another week of social distancing during unprecedented times, we know that many condominium Boards, Managers and residents are foremost concerned about the health of their families and communities. In this blog, we hope to provide some guidance to Boards and Managers on how to handle positive cases of COVID-19 in their condominium buildings.

COVID-19

March 19, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): David Lu and Nancy Houle - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

COVID-19 and Condo Fees

Over the past couple of days, we have received numerous inquiries about how condominium corporations should deal with requests from owners to delay paying the monthly common expenses. The requests from owners are due to the uncertainty and financial stress caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19

March 18, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Cheryll Wood - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Coronavirus – What About Our Staff?

As we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation, we are trying to address questions raised by managers and condominiums in a timely manner. One of the many concerns that we have heard over the last couple of days related to COVID-19 is: What are condominium corporation obligations as employers?

COVID-19

March 17, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): James Davidson and Melinda Andrews - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Coronavirus – Our Answers to Some FAQs

We think it goes without saying that the novel coronavirus and related risks surrounding Covid-19 have “turned the world upside down”. And condominiums are very much involved because condominiums typically involve meetings and social gatherings and people living in close community. We’re certainly getting lots of questions from our clients. In case it may help, here are our answers to some FAQs surrounding coronavirus and Covid-19:

COVID-19

March 15, 2020 - Published by CCI National - Author(s): Nancy Houle - Davidson Houle Allen LLP

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Condos – Update on Meetings

As the number of COVID-19 cases increase across the country, and each municipality grapples with how best to deal with the rapidly evolving situation at a local level, the most common recommendation we are seeing to help mitigate risk and spread is social-distancing. The natural question is, therefore, what does this now mean in relation to a condominium corporation’s legal obligation to hold board of directors, or owners, meetings.