As we reported last week, Ontario is working to introduce mandatory qualifications for condominium managers. The proposed change is part of the provincial government’s ongoing review of the Condominium Act to ensure that the Actreflects the current and future needs of condominium owners, residents, and other stakeholders.
Other changes being considered include a quick and affordable way to resolve disputes and more fulsome protection against construction deficiencies.
In an editorial published this weekend, the Toronto Star urged the government to move faster to address the needs of condominium owners:
[Condominium owners] also need an independent tribunal to adjudicate disputes with developers, property managers and condo boards. If the internal complaint doesn’t produce results — which it frequently doesn’t — owners have little recourse other than the courts, which can be extremely expensive.
And they need reliable information about a builder’s workmanship and history of dealing with complaints. A government-created agency, Tarion Warranty Corp., has this information but does not provide it to homebuyers or owners. [Consumer Services Minister Tracy MacCharles] has brushed off calls to review its mandate.
The review of the Condominium Act is currently in the second of three stages. The Ministry of Consumer Services is expected to release a report containing recommendations to the government by the end of the summer.