Condo Industry Responds to Marchese Bill

TORONTO, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, the second reading of Private Members Bill 72, Property Owners' Protection Act, 2012 will be introduced by Rosario Marchese, MPP for Trinity Spadina. If passed, Bill 72 would amend the Condominium Act, 1998, the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, 1990 and the Building Code Act, 1992.

While the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) and Canadian Condominium Institute - TorontoArea Chapter (CCI-T) are supportive of those who recognize the need to open the Condominium Act, our associations believe it is time for a broad based revision of the existing legislation.

ACMO and CCI-T have spent years and thousands of volunteer expert hours to develop a joint Legislative Brief. The position achieved in this Brief comes from consulting owners and professionals working within the industry such as lawyers, accountants, engineers, property managers and developers.

The Ministry has made public its commitment to open the Condo Act and consult with stakeholders. ACMO and CCI-T are pleased with the government's desire to work with all industry representatives and believes working in cooperation and collaboration with the government will achieve the best result for all parties concerned.

On April 3, 2012, ACMO and CCI-T had their first Advocacy Day at Queen's Park. In total, the two organizations had 5 introductions in the Legislature, 24 meetings throughout the day with MPPs and policy advisors, and 104 people attend the evening reception.

QUOTES

"Given the huge growth in the condominium market since the Condominium Act was proclaimed in 2001, we believe that amending existing legislation is crucial at this time to better serve the industry and to protect condominium owners. We are pleased that the Premier has publically committed to the re-opening of the Act and are encouraged by the Minister's recognition of and interest in our extensive and broad-based efforts to produce a joint Legislative Brief with the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario", said Bill Thompson, President, Canadian Condominium Institute - Toronto & Area Chapter

"Mr. Marchese's bill has focused on some of the issues that our industry has discussed for several years. We note, however, that the current government has already made a commitment to ACMO and CCI-T to look at all areas of condos and develop proactive solutions that will keep Ontario at the forefront of this growing market. ACMO and CCI-T believe in Ontario being the leading market in North America in the condominium industry. We believe that a broad based approach that includes all stakeholders is the best way to review this legislation", says Dean McCabe, President, Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario

QUICK FACTS

• Over 1.3 million Ontarians live in condominiums
• More than 6,700 residential condo corporations and over 500,000 condo units in Ontario (MPAC, May 2010)
• Over the last 25 years, condos have grown from virtual nonexistence to 62% of all new home sales in the GTA
• Condo growth has also exploded across Ontario from Windsor to Ottawa to Mississauga to Sudbury
• 104 of the 107 Ontario Ridings have residential condominiums
• A Joint Legislative Brief on Recommendations for Changes to the Condominium Act, 1998 was submitted to the government in May of 2011
• During the 2011 Ontario provincial election, ACMO and CCI-T launched the first comprehensive survey of condo issues in Ontario with the 2011 Condo Survey of Provincial Candidates
  

For further information:

CONTACTS

ACMO Holds a Special Meeting to Discuss the Condo Act, Licensing Property Managers and Mediation & Arbitration

Over recent months the joint initiatives of ACMO and CCI Toronto & Area have gained significant momentum within government. As you are aware a Joint Legislative Brief on Recommendations for Changes to the Condominium Act, 1998 was submitted in May of 2011, in late summer we surveyed the three main political parties and published the results in September, and in early April our joint representatives will be meeting with MPP's at Queen's Park.

There is every indication that the Government will be opening the Condominium Act this year, and that both the elected leaders and senior bureaucrats are very serious about their desire to enter into consultation with our associations. With this in mind it is, of course, important that we can speak clearly and authoritatively for our members and that our members in turn understand our platform. We will communicate with members across the province in as many ways as possible, and as a first step ACMO held a special meeting on Friday, February 17th at the Richmond Hill Country Club.
Topics and discussion included:

• A presentation by Armand Conant reviewing the ACMO/CCI-T Joint Legislative Brief and our Primary Topics being presented to Government (Download)
• A status review and open dialogue on the Licensing of Condominium Property Managers (Download)
• Discussion of alternative dispute resolution suggestions to replace or repair the mediation and arbitration requirements in the current Act Resolutions

Dear ACMO members:

ACMO has become aware that recent changes made by the Ministry of Government Services in relation to the operation of the Land Registry Offices will have an effect on the condominium industry. Since the Regulations relating to the Condominium Act, 1998 were drafted and implemented on May 5, 2001 our industry has operated with standard forms that were created under those regulations.

On September 1, 2011 the Government of Ontario implemented bulletin 2011-04 “Migration of Forms from Regulations” which will have an impact on the names of forms related to the Condominium Act, 1998, and which also removes the numbers previously associated with these forms.

For the information and convenience of our members ACMO is including the following links to Government websites.

Click Here to view a copy of Bulletin 2011-04.

Click Here to View the Ministry of Consumer Services letter

Click Here to view a list of the forms related to the Condominium Act, 1998 which were changed by Bulletin 2011-04.

The forms are available to be downloaded in Word or PDF format from the Government of Ontario website.

ACMO will continue to assess these changes and bring information to our members. For those enrolled in ACMO courses, all our instructors have been asked to make note of the relevance of these changes.

     Dean McCabe, RCM, ACCI, President, Association of Condominium
     Managers of Ontario

     Amanda Curtis, CAE, Executive Director, Association of Condominium 
     Managers of Ontario

October 20, 2011

Over the past several weeks Channel Property Management Ltd. has been profiled in a series of articles in the Toronto Star and featured on CBC news. ACMO and CCI-T are aware of the case and regret that an individual would use condominium communities as a tool in this alleged fraud. It is our understanding the police have launched an investigation and we welcome and support their efforts.

The issues raised in these articles reinforce the position which ACMO and CCI-T have previously communicated to government, that the Condominium Act in Ontario should be strengthened and that both condominium owners and managers will significantly benefit from licensing or regulating the industry. ACMO and CCI-T wish to remind our members, stakeholders, condominium owners and the public of our ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of condominium communities across Ontario.

During the past several years ACMO and CCI-T have:

• Produced a Legislative Brief of more than 200 recommendations on improvements to the Condo Act.
• Met with all 3 provincial parties and senior policy advisors at the Ministry of Consumer Services to advocate making improvements to the Condo Act.
• Hosted CCI pre-election town hall meetings.
• Surveyed the 3 main political parties (leading up to the provincial election this October) on condo issues including asking all political parties and candidates to support the licensing of condominium managers.

The allegations made against Channel Property Management Ltd. have underscored the importance of the 2010 ACMO/CCI-T Legislative Brief regarding changes to the Act. Changes to other pieces of legislation may also be required to better protect the interests of condominium owners. Both ACMO and CCI-T will continue to work with the next Provincial government to ensure that future changes to the Condominium, and any other relevant Acts will include protocols and procedures designed to help protect condominium owners.

About ACMO

The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario was formed in 1977 to represent the collective aims of all condominium managers. ACMO's Mission is to enhance the condominium management profession in Ontario by advancing the quality performance of Condominium property managers and management companies. ACMO provides training courses in Ontario Colleges and approved property management companies that are required learning for professional condominium managers leading to the recognized professional designation Registered Condominium Manager (RCM). The Association's commitment to high standards of professional and business practices is further evidenced in the corporate certification ACMO 2000.

About CCI

Established in 1982, the Canadian Condominium Institute leads the National condominium industry by providing education, information, awareness and access to expertise by and for our members. Comprised of fifteen national chapters, including a very active Toronto and Area Chapter, CCI represents condominium owners, boards of directors, professionals and trades serving the condominium industry. Coast to Coast...we are your condo connection!

ACMO is pleased to release to its members the following CCI Toronto announcement re Election Town Hall Meetings to be held next week. CCI Toronto will be promoting the ACMO/CCI-T positioning released in our recent Joint Survey. To register simply complete the online registration form or email CCI Toronto to say that you will be attending.

Thank you for your support

In 2010 the Ontario Government announced the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (OCEB). As prescribed in the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit Act, 2010 (OCEBA), an electricity account relating to a property as defined in the Condominium Act, 1998, is eligible to receive a rebate of 10% on their bill. This rebate applies to condominium properties regardless of their level of electricity consumption or demand.

ACMO and CCI have been in discussions with the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) since it came to light that many condominiums have not been receiving the OCEB. Many of the electricity distributors across Ontario processed the 10% rebate to all customers who were part of the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) available to all residential customers.

Condominium corporations that have opted not to participate in the RPP and are instead paying spot pricing or are enrolled in a retailer contract may not be receiving the OCEB rebate of 10% for which they are entitled.

The rebate is retroactive to January 1, 2011.

Please be advised that all condominium corporations that have not been receiving the OCEB should contact their local electricity utility and request a self-declaration form. By submitting this form to your local electricity utility you will be confirming that your client condominium corporation is eligible for the OCEB under the OCEBA.

For further information on your client’s eligibility, please contact your local electricity utility or refer to the definitions of “eligible account” in the OCEBA and “property” in the Condominium Act, 1998. Please follow the links below:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_10o26_e.htm
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_98c19_e.htm

On behalf of the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) and Canadian Condominium Institute Toronto & Area Chapter (CCI-T), the Joint Legislative Committee presented our legislative brief (the "Brief") and Executive Summary on suggested changes to the Condominium Act, 1998 (the "Act") to the Minister of Consumer Services John Gerretsen’s office, as well as all the opposition parties.

While the Act in many ways is a significant improvement from the earlier statute, it is the belief of ACMO/CCI-T that it is now in need of modernization. This is especially so given the recent explosive growth in condominiums in Ontario: we estimate there are more than 1.3 million Ontarians living in 6,700 residential condominium corporations (and 2,300 additional commercial and industrial corporations) – a dramatic increase since the Act received Royal Assent in 1998.

In preparing the Brief, we drew upon the knowledge of every sector of the condominium world, including property managers, developers, owners, engineers, auditors and lawyers, and had the participation of both ACMO and all seven Ontario CCI Chapters through an organized effort of the CCI Ontario Caucus. We will continue to draw upon this collective knowledge to develop more suggested amendments to the Act and also to the Regulations.

On behalf of our members, we appreciate the opportunity to make this submission and look forward to being part of the process of the development of a new Condominium Act which will continue Ontario’s leadership in this important area.

Dean McCabe, RCM, ACCI
President, ACMO

From the Toronto Star

To be a director of a condominium board in Ontario, you have to be 18-years of age, mentally competent and not be an undischarged bankrupt.

But as condominiums become an increasingly important lifestyle choice in the province, two of the largest condominium associations want to raise the bar on the quality of directors by making sure that education becomes a requirement under the now decade old Ontario Condominium Act.

Read the full article

Printable Version

Today, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak announced that his government, if elected, would provide immediate relief for families and seniors facing rising energy costs by removing the provincial portion of the HST from home hydro and heating bills, and removing the debt retirement charge from home hydro bills. The full press release can be read here.

In response to this announcement, ACMO/ CCI-T will be issuing a letter to Mr. Hudak stating that our associations are pleased that attention is being paid to reducing the costs of the average homeowner. We are, however, asking for confirmation that residential condominiums will be treated as residences and will qualify for this proposed relief too.

We look forward to Mr. Hudak’s response and will continue to keep our members notified of any further developments.

From The Globe and Mail:

A few days after the Ministry of Labour charged two companies in the deaths of four migrant workers in a workplace accident, The Globe and Mail has learned that the sole survivor is suing the companies involved and the Ontario Ministry of Labour for $16.3-million in damages.

Read the full Article

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 5 /CNW/ - The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO), in cooperation with Fanshawe College Continuing Education is pleased to offer an educational part-time program for those working towards their Registered Condominium Manager (R.C.M) designation, the largest and most established condominium management designation in Ontario.

Four courses will be offered: Condominium Law, Physical Building Management, Financial Planning for Condominium Managers, and Condominium Administration and Human Relations. The first, Condominium Law, begins at Fanshawe's main campus on August 31, 2010. For course details, please visit www.fanshawec.ca/ce.

As the condominium lifestyle grows in Southwestern Ontario and around the province, the demand for highly-skilled and well-educated property managers also grows.

"ACMO is dedicated to providing its quality educational programs to as many of its members and potential members as it can," said ACMO's President, Chris Antipas, R.C.M. "We are delighted to join with Fanshawe College so that property managers in London and surrounding regions can begin working towards their R.C.M. and enjoy the benefits that ACMO brings to property managers around the province."

ACMO represents the collective aims of all condominium managers and works to enhance the profession in Ontario by advancing the quality performance of property managers and management companies.

On Monday of this week, the Government of Ontario launched a new online condominium survey at www.ontario.ca/condos to capture a snapshot of Ontarians' experiences with condo ownership.

This ACMO alert has been circulated to the membership at large to help encourage all condominium board members and owners to participate in this survey.

Greater participation from the Condominium community will represent a broad spectrum of opinions and will help provide the government with a cross-section of owner experiences as it considers the future needs of the condominium industry.

• Bob Gardiner of Gardiner Miller Arnold - Workplace Violence
• Brian Horlick of Horlick Levitt - Condominium Records
• Mario Deo of Fine & Deo - The Role of the President
• Michael Spears of Deacon Spears - Mediation Arbitration Steps in Rules Enforcement
• Mario Deo of Fine & Deo - What’s the Difference Between a Gazebo and a Hot Tub?

Faced with an exodus by hundreds of apartments and condos to private haulers, the city is poised to introduce new garbage rates that could reduce costs to those buildings by at least 30%.

A public notice advising of the changes — released last week on the city’s website — says the details of the revised waste reduction fees will be contained in a report to the June 15 public works committee.

Read More

You’re invited to a FREE Lunch & Learn Workshop on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at the Hampton Inn, Ottawa - learn how you can tap into significant rebates for energy upgrades to multifamily buildings.

Already finished an upgrade? Some rebates are available retroactively for projects started after January 1, 2008. Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebates (MEER) are due to expire on December 31st, 2010 so there is still time to save by acting on your energy project. You can even complete your application right at the seminar! MEER, Enbridge, and Hydro Ottawa representatives will all be on hand to discuss eligible rebates and help you apply.

Download the invitation for more details. Space is limited, so REGISTER NOW by calling Chantal Martin at 613-237-2462 x221 or email cmartin@halsall.com.

For more information about this event, please contact:

Shawn Carr,P.Eng
Halsall Associates Ltd.
Tel: 613.237.2462 ext 244 • Toll Free: 1.877.442.5725  •  www.halsall.com • Cell: 613.983.8316
http://www.meerontario.ca/

When researching condominium buildings, buyers should always ask whether the building is professionally managed and conduct research on the property manager.

Condominium Corporations are run by boards of directors, elected by the unit owners. The directors unfortunately are not required to have any formal business, legal or accounting training before being nominated to this very important position. They will immediately become responsible to manage a budget that could be in the millions of dollars, with potential personal liability if they do not properly see to the maintenance and repair of the building common elements. They also deal with disputes between unit owners and the condominium corporation.

• Metro Group Doug King Waste Diversion overview
• MTCC 1053 Palace Place Katherine Gow Brookfield RCM
• MTCC 1273 Northtowne 2 Andrew Simon Board Direcctor
• TSCC 1979 Encore Julian McNabb Simerra PM

Ontario Budget 2010

Together CCI (Toronto) and ACMO are pleased to provide you with an update on how the 2010 Ontario Provincial Budget may affect the Condominium sector.   

There were no new tax credits or rebates proposed to help offset condo fees that are anticipated to rise due to the HST.  However, the government did provide new tax credits as part of the budget announcement. The government is replacing the combined property and sales tax credits with two new credits:

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit – aimed at providing $1 billion in sales tax relief to approximately 3.1 million families starting in August 2010;
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit – the government will introduce legislation this year to convert the Ontario Property Tax Credit to the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit with the intent of providing $1.2 billion in annual energy and property tax relief to low-middle income individuals and families.

The government also announced that it would move forward with an electronic land registry. In addition a new Electronic Land Registration Service Commissioner will also be established for dispute resolution issues.  CCI (Toronto) and ACMO will monitor this project during the design process to determine if there are features which can benefit the Condominium sector.

As announced in February, the provincial government has confirmed that it will be giving condominium corporations that were created before May 5, 2001 more breathing room when it comes to their reserve funds and the requirement to "top them up".  This will help mitigate the impact of the HST on Reserve Fund balances.

CCI (Toronto) and ACMO are continuing with their efforts on behalf of the condominium industry to obtain solutions to the serious and unique problems facing condominium owners impacted by the HST and to have the governments open up the legislation for review and changes. We are continuing our constructive dialogue with the government on these issues, and in particular with the Hon. Sophia Aggelonitis, Minister of Consumer Services.

In addition, CCI (Toronto) and ACMO will begin to engage all political parties in the lead up to the 2011 Ontario Provincial election to ensure condominium industry issues are front and centre in party platforms.

Chris Antipas, RCM, ACCI
President, ACMO

View photos from the Winter Blah Pub Night 2010

ACMO and CCI Toronto are pleased to present a sample disclaimer for use by ACMO members on HRTC receipts.  We would like to thank the following people for their expertise and input: Armand Conant, President, CCI Toronto, and Stephen Chesney, Parker Garber & Chesney, LLP.

“The HRTC is subject to the eligibility criteria established by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”).  Neither management nor the Corporation express any opinion or make any representations or guarantee with respect to the owner’s eligibility for the HRTC, whether or not the expenditures qualify as “eligible expenditures” or the tax credit amount, if any, the owner could be entitled to under the HRTC. Each owner assumes all risk with respect to any HRTC credit they may claim and should seek advice from their own tax advisor prior to including any such claim in their tax return. Owners are further advised that any claim for the tax credit is subject to audit and verification by the CRA and may therefore be subject to change.“

This January and February are presenting some challenges that are new to the Property Management industry and Condominium Managers in particular. Specifically it is trying to decipher the rules surrounding the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) which was introduced by the Federal Government as part of the stimulus plan in the 2009 Federal budget.

An overview of the HRTC is too long to include as part of this information bulletin, and most if not all of you are aware of the purpose of the credit and the rules surrounding it. For those interested in reviewing the rules and guidelines you can visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc to view the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.After reviewing the site you may have questions regarding how this tax incentive affects Condominium Management firms. On behalf of the ACMO2000 Corporate Members, and in conjunction with CCI Toronto & Area Chapter, ACMO retained a lawyer specializing in tax law to coordinate a meeting with CRA representatives in order to address many question submitted by our members regarding the legal interpretation of the HRTC rules and how they affect the practical management of Condominium Corporations. This meeting was also attended by an Auditor specializing in condominium accounting and taxation.

Linked below are the 15 questions which formed the basis of our discussion and a summary of the answers that CRA representatives provided.

15 Questions about the HRTC update

Waterloo Region Record

Disability Legal Victory and the Affect on Condominium Corporations

Thursday, Feb. 4th — 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

The Old Mill Inn, Toronto - Breakfast and Lunch Included

Ontario’s new Green Energy Act and Feed-in Tarrifs (FIT) are sparking great interest in local wind power, solar electric, and geothermal heating and cooling projects. Incentives have also recently increased for solar hot water and the province may soon have a standard offer program for combined heat and power. Have you been considering green energy options? Wondering if it is right for your building? Are you curious about what systems cost and what you can save or earn?  To learn more click here!

Multi-Residential Diversion Region of Peel Perspective
Peter Kalogerakos
Technical Analyst, Waste Program Planning

Waste Management Program Changes, Fees, and New Diversion Programs
Vincent Sferrazza
Director, Policy & Planning
Solid Waste Management Services
City of Toronto

Recycling in Multi Unit Buildings
Doug King
Metro Group

Condominium managers have joined the queue of disgruntled taxpayers in their bid to find ways to soften the blow of the harmonized sales tax (HST) on operating costs and condo fees.

Continue reading at http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2035959 or download the PDF here.

It was a popular meeting about an unpopular subject.

More than 400 condominium consultants, managers and owners turned out for a discussion about Ontario's proposed harmonized sales tax organized by the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario.

source: http://www.thestar.com/article/676819

Two large condominium associations say it's "unfortunate" that they were not consulted to participate in the drafting of a bill that calls for major changes to the existing Condominium Act.

The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) and the Toronto Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) say they were not asked for their input into Bill 186, Condominium Protection Act (2009), introduced as a private member's bill by Trinity-Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese in June.

read more

HST Premier Response

2009 ACMO Member Award Recipients

Click here to view pictures.

National Post June 30 2009

Target 70 - Solid Waste Management Services

Green Bin Program & Waste Diversion Strategies for Multi-Unit Residential Dwellings - Solid Waste Management Services

City of Toronto Multi-Unit (MU) Recycling Research Highlights Presentation - Ipsos Public Affairs

Proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and estimated impact on Condominiums in Ontario

Student lifeguards owed thousands

Incoming ACMO board announces new initiatves

Go Green and Go Home

Click here to view pictures.

Springfest '09 ACMO member presentation

Click here to view pictures.

Click here to view pictures.

Click here to view pictures.

Consequences of Opting out of City Collection - A City of Toronto Letter to Multi-Unit Owners

City of Toronto Letter on the Free In-Unit Blue Bin Ordering Process

City of Toronto Sample In-Unit Recycling Container Order Card

Letter Shared by a Member of the Greater Toronto Apartment Association Explaining to their Residents the Need to Participate in Recycling

Congratulations to this year's ACMO Award Recipients!

President's Award

Bruno Suppa, Corpland Contracting Limited

Manager of the Year Award

Catherine Murdock, DEL Property Management Inc.

Dean McCabe, Brookfield Residential Services Limited

Corporate Member of the Year

ICC Property Management Ltd.

Associate of the Year

Jason Tower, Waste Solutions Group

Click here to view pictures.

Click here to view pictures.

Click here to view pictures.

ACMO is pleased to announce that Shiu Pong/Progressive Plus (Mississauga) and Times Property Management Inc. (Richmond Hill) have achieved ACMO 2000 Certification.

Click here to read the full press release.

Click here to view pictures.

ACMO Members are invited to regional information sessions the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) are holding regarding residential sprinklers. The information sessions stem from changes MMAH is proposing to the Ontario Building Code that would require residential sprinklers installed in all newly constructed residential buildings higher than three storeys. Please consider inviting other stakeholders you feel should be represented at these sessions. More information is available at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website at www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/Page2993.aspx and www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

Final Regulations to the Energy Conservation Leadership Act were announced by the Ministry of Energy.

For further information, click here.

the new positions on the 2007-2008 ACMO Board of Directors were elected

Click here to read the full press release

ACMO participated in a Thunder Bay Golf Tournament

Click here to view the full press release

ACMO presented several membership awards during our June 1 luncheon.

Click here to read the full press release

Percel Inc. Achieves ACMO 2000 Certification.

Twelve Condominium Management Companies Now ACMO 2000 Certified. For full details click here.

ACMO is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2006/2007 Board of Directors.

To read the full press release, please click here.

We are very proud of our new website (www.acmo.org) that went live in late April 2006.

Click here for the full press release.

At the end of February 2005, Toronto City Council adopted the recommendation of the City of Toronto Works Committee to endorse a Waste Reduction Levy for multi family residential buildings. ACMO feels it is incumbent on Managers to bring this initiative to the attention of directors and homeowners. (for further information click here).