Now that condominium corporations are starting to conduct their meetings virtually, questions are being asked about the requirement to record a virtual meeting, whether recording a meeting is contrary to privacy laws and whether owners are entitled to a copy of the recording. Requirement to Record the Meeting Remember when we had in-person meetings?   Unless an owner, unbeknownst to the chair, recorded the meeting, recordings of meetings were never part of the procedures adopted by…

We are entering the holiday season and for the first time ever, condominium corporations are now facing challenges dealing with resident gatherings and celebrations of festivities during a pandemic.   Canadian Thanksgiving resulted in many last minute cancellations of in-person family celebrations in party rooms and in units when further restrictions were imposed by the Province.  This coming Halloween weekend and our December celebrations will mean more restrictions for those living in condominiums and homeowner associations…

The Condominium Authority of Ontario has just released its guide on Conducting Owners’ meeting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Owners and Directors Need to Know.   This is an excellent resource for Condo Directors, Managers and Professionals and has addressed many of the questions and concerns around holding a virtual meeting and electronic voting. Some of the key points covered are: Advanced Voting Proxy use for Virtual meetings- setting timelines for submission Advanced Voting counts towards…

Many condominium corporations have now had their first virtual meeting and after experiencing the process, are seeing some of the benefits of using technology for conducting owners meetings.  We expect to see the continuation of virtual meetings and electronic voting as the “preferred” way to hold owners meetings, even once the pandemic is over. Of course, getting through the first virtual owners meeting has its challenges for many managers, board members and unit owners, who…

With the second wave of Covid-19 infections upon us, the City of Toronto Health officials have made it clear that imposing further restrictions is the only way to curb the continued spread of  the virus. Jason Reid from National Life Safety Group and regular Condo Adviser’s Webinar panelist, provides steps for condo managers and directors to put into place right away: All condo staff are required to wear mask at all times inside the building.…

On October 2, 2020, the Government of Ontario issued O. Reg 541/20 under the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”), which extends certain temporary legislative amendments under the Act until May 31, 2021. So what does this mean for your condo? In a nutshell, all condos can continue to hold virtual meetings and vote electronically without a by-law until May 31, 2021. Under the new regulation, the following will also be extended until May 31, 2021:…

As many Corporations are racing against the clock to hold their AGMs, the Ontario government has just announced that gathering limits for “unmonitored social gatherings or organized public events” in Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa are being reduced effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020. The new limits are as follows: 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).…