We have some good news to share.
On Monday, May 27, the Conservatives posted a regulation announcing amendments to the Condo Act to expand Condo Authority Tribunal’s (CAT) jurisdiction. This expansion would allow for online dispute resolution related to owners' meetings and address disputes concerning:
- Requisitioning a meeting
- Meeting timelines and procedures
- Meeting notices
- Quorum
- Voting
To learn more about the government’s proposed changes, including how to make a comment, follow this link: https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=47473&language=en.
We have been advocating for these changes for some time. While these changes are welcome, we are calling for broader reform to better protect condo residents and ensure condo buildings are well-managed and well-maintained places to live.
In 2020, the Auditor General (AG) released a damning report on the condo sector, which included a call to expand the jurisdiction and power of the CAT so condo residents have a fast, cheap, and effective way to have their issues heard by an adjudicator.
Since the AG’s report on the condo sector was published, I have held many consultations with condo dwellers on law reform and along the way, have heard common complaints around undemocratic condo board elections, secrecy at the condo board, the use and abuse of reserve funds, and poor property management.
While we are pleased to see there has been some move to allow the CAT to hear some matters related to condo governance and elections, we are advocating for the CAT’s jurisdiction to be expanded further so issues pertaining to condo fees, repairs, maintenance fees, reserve funds, and short-term rentals can also be heard quickly and cheaply.
You can also sign and share my open letter calling for these changes and more here: https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/catmotion.
There are over 1.4 million condo residents in Ontario who deserve to live in safe, well-maintained homes. When issues arise, these residents deserve to have their concerns heard in a safe, fair, and affordable manner.
If you have a condo complaint that you would like to see resolved via the CAT, please contact my office at [email protected] or 416 535 7206.