Although the Ontario government has deemed construction work and services an essential service, the closure of other non-essential services, and the government’s emphasis to keep physically distant, and work from home (where possible), will no doubt have an impact on the pace of the construction industry, including the occupancy of pre-construction condominiums. As Doug Ford emphasized yesterday in an update from Queens Park “when it comes to necessities of life, shelter is at the top…

Rod Escayola will lead the next webinar on Wednesday April 1st  at 5 pm (Eastern  time). Topics:  Status Update: including from various regulatory bodies Federal Invoking the Quarantine Act: Impact on condos Safety and Security: inspection, maintenance and long term planning Capital projects: scheduling or postponing work and securing contractors/resources The National Life Safety Group has accepted to release for public use this indispensable “Safety & Security Tracking Planner”.  This tool provides managers and  directors with a step-by-step plan to ensure the safety…

It seems like every day there are new developments with regards to how businesses and the public should operate in this new age of COVID-19. On March 23, 2020, Doug Ford announced that only essential businesses will be operating for the next fourteen days, but that this period may be extended. Many real estate services were deemed to be essential, and unit sales have not yet seen a decline. Thus, a question that has arisen…

On March 23, 2020 Premier Doug Ford announced the shutdown of all non-essential businesses and services in Ontario. The order becomes effective on March 24, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and is scheduled to last for the next fourteen (14) days but may be extended as necessary. Any non-essential businesses and services that remain open may be fined. A list of all essential services has been published here. Condo corporations may be relieved to find…

Late Friday night, the Ontario government made an order: suspending limitation periods; and suspending procedural deadlines, subject to the discretion of the court or tribunal, in all Ontario legal proceedings (the “Order”). The Order is retroactive to March 16, 2020. This suspension will last for the duration of the provincial state of emergency. In other words, there is now a temporary pause on all limitation periods, as well as all steps that need to be…

As we continue to deal with questions and concerns expressed by board members, managers and owners, we keep reminding our clients to remember what our respective roles are in this crisis.  Throughout this process we must remember to be guided by health professionals through our public health officials and comply with any directives from the government. Remember to stay in your lane! Here are a number of items that have come up over the past…

We are receiving emails and calls from managers and directors wondering what to do about addressing the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Since our last post five days ago, things have changed and more changes are on their way.  The expectation earlier today was that the Federal government would issue an emergency declaration resulting in a complete lock-down similar to other countries in Europe. It didn’t happen today but we need to be prepared and do our…