Canada

Canada Condominium (Strata) & HOA News

Condo Smarts: CRA filing for bare trust no longer mandatory for strata (BC) April 17, 2024
Q: Our management company is charging us $800 for each of our trust accounts to file the new tax returns required for bare trusts. If a strata corporation is self managed or has a management company, is a strata corporation operating account, contingency or special levy a bare trust? Are we required to file this return? Read the article…………………………….
BC Property Owners Group Seeking Judicial Review Of Short-Term Rental Legislation April 16, 2024
A big property owners group in British Columbia has officially filed suit against both the Province of British Columbia and the City of Victoria over the new short-term rentals legislation that’s set to come into effect on May 1. Read the article…………………………….
No injuries after 2-alarm condo blaze in Maple Leaf Square area (ON) April 16, 2024
Toronto firefighters and police officers said the blaze was believed to have started at about 12:23 p.m. on a balcony at the residential building near the York St.-Bremner Blvd. area and Maple Leaf Square. Read the article…………………………….
No injuries after blaze at downtown condo (ON) April 15, 2024
According to officials, the fire spread to a second balcony, and shattered glass was spotted falling to the ground below. The situation was quickly brought under control and the flames were extinguished Read the article…………………………….
Condo Smarts: Even small stratas must follow Strata Property Act (BC) April 13, 2024
Dear Tony: We recently moved into a coach house that is part of a new three-unit strata corporation in Vancouver. We have always lived in larger strata buildings that have operated smoothly, but we can already see a few rough roads ahead. The owner of the largest unit has decided we will be casual in operations as they come up, no need to maintain bank accounts, and everyone will simply split the cost of expenses three ways without the need ...
Condo Smarts: Okanagan strata struggles with energy supply problem (BC) April 10, 2024
Dear Tony: Our 36-unit townhouse complex in the Okanagan has an energy supply problem. Over the past five years, six owners have converted their gas furnaces to heat pumps and three owners now have electric vehicles with charging stations, and there are several air conditioners installed. Read the article…………………………….
Condo Smarts: CRA bare trust filing no longer required for strata (BC) April 7, 2024
Dear Tony: Our management company is charging us $800 for each of our trust accounts to file the new tax returns required for bare trusts. If a strata corporation is self managed or has a management company, is a strata corporation operating account, contingency or special levy a bare trust? Are we required to file this return? Read the Q&A………………………………..

Canada Condominium (Strata) & HOA Articles

Owner’s Complaints Cannot Be Ignored (AB) April 12, 2024
Sometimes there are well reasoned decisions from other Canadian jurisdictions with which boards of directors and lawyers in Ontario should be familiar. In Aubin v Condominium Plan No 862 2917, an Alberta court ruled that a condo corporation must investigate noise complaints from common areas. Read the article…………………………….
Awnings And Condominium Regulations: What You Need To Know (AB) April 8, 2024
The installation of awnings in condominiums it represents an issue of common interest for many homeowners. This is a topic that affects legal, aesthetic and coexistence aspects, making it a complex topic to deal with. The main question that arises is whether thecondominium authorization to proceed with the installation of the awnings. This article aims to provide a clear and detailed overview of the legal and regulatory constraints surrounding the installation of awnings in condominiums, examining the current regulations, jurisprudence ...
Social Committee April 4, 2024
Committees are a crucial part of any successful condominium corporation. Comprised of volunteers, condominium corporation committees help support the board of directors so they can focus their efforts on accomplishing operational duties and achieving goals. One important condominium corporation committee is the social committee. Tasked with coordinating social events, these committee members promote harmony and work to ensure the community is an all-around great place to live. Read the article…………………………….
The Essential Guide to Spring Inspections of Townhome Sites (ON) April 2, 2024
As the cold grip of winter loosens its hold and nature awakens with the warmth of spring, it’s the perfect time for managers and the board of directors in townhome communities to conduct thorough inspections of their properties. Spring inspections serve as a vital preventive measure, allowing management to identify and address any issues that may have arisen during the winter months and ensure that their townhome sites are primed for the season ahead. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ...
‘Fraud’ does not include constructive fraud under the Arbitration Act: Ontario Court of Appeal April 1, 2024
In a recent ruling, the Ontario Court of Appeal clarified the interpretation of “fraud” under the Arbitration Act, 1991 and affirmed the finality of an arbitral award. In Campbell v. Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No. 2600, 2024 ONCA 218, the court addressed the meaning of “fraud” under the Arbitration Act, 1991, specifically questioning if the term encompasses “constructive fraud.” The dispute centred on an arbitral award awarded by an arbitrator to Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No. 2600 against former unit ...
What Is an Adequate Minute? (ON) March 28, 2024
In the case of Schwartz v. TSCC 1443, the owner alleged, among other things, that the condominium corporation had failed to provide “adequate” Board minutes. Read the article…………………………….
Condominium RePiping: A Second Wave of Plumbing Failure (ON) March 27, 2024
The second wave of plumbing failure has arrived. First it was Kitec, which caused chaos and floods in buildings due to the use of two dissimilar metals in the plumbing system. And now there’s another system raising eyebrows, and budget expenditures. Although on a smaller scale, the newest pandemic in plumbing failure is epoxy-lined plumbing pipes. Read the article…………………………….

Canada Laws

Ontario Condominium Act

British Columbia Strata Property Act

Quebec – Divided Co-ownership of Immoveables

Alberta – Condominium Property Act

Saskatchewan – Condominium Property Act

Nova Scotia – Condominium Act

Manitoba – The Condominium Act

New Brunswick – Condominium Property Act

Prince Edward Island – Condominium Act

Labrador/Newfoundland – Condominium Act

Canada Condominium & HOA Resources

Canadian Condominium Institute – The Canadian Condominium Institute is the Voice of Condominium in Canada. It is a national, independent, non-profit organization dealing exclusively with condominium issues.

Ontario

The Condominium Authority of Ontario

The Condo Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario

The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario

Resources for Condo Directors & Owners

Forms related to the Condominium Act

Condominium Dispute Resolution Model for Ontario

Toronto Condo News

British Columbia

Strata Housing (BC Government site)

The Condominium Home Owners Association

Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association