“The only constant is change.” This wisdom, often credited to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, is a sentiment professional condominium managers and management companies know intimately. The industry is in perpetual motion, constantly adapting to new legislation, evolving policies, and an ever-growing list of complex demands. 

These obligations don’t come from a single source; they pour in from multiple directions: our condominium Boards, provincial statutes like the Employment Standards Act and AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), safety regulators like the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority), local City Fire and Health inspectors, and the specialized governing bodies, including the CAO (Condominium Authority of Ontario), the CAT (Condominium Authority Tribunal), and the CMRAO (Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario).  

For nearly five decades, ACMO (Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario) has been an unwavering leader at the forefront of this dynamic industry. We haven’t just reacted to changes; we have consistently worked to shape and influence the legal and regulatory framework within which our members perform their essential duties. 
As the list above clearly illustrates, the legal and regulatory environment is both vast and increasingly burdensome. Our mission in this area is simple: to reduce the administrative burden and liability exposure currently placed upon our professional managers and management companies. We have been working diligently to engage key stakeholders, specifically the CMRAO and the CAO, ensuring your voices are heard where it matters most. 

Here are some key advocacy positions ACMO is currently advancing: 
•    Status Certificate Fee Increase– Compensation for Complexity. We have formally requested an increase to the fee for the Status Certificate. This fee has remained stagnant for over 20 years, yet the complexity, detail, and liability associated with its proper preparation have escalated dramatically. Effective execution of this task is non-negotiable, and the compensation must be commensurate with the complexity and the inherent risk. Managers should not be held accountable for issues that are genuinely unpredictable. 
•    Expanding the CAT to Include Meetings. ACMO strongly supports the expansion of the CAT’s jurisdiction to include disputes related to meetings. We see its potential to efficiently uphold consumer protection principles within the unique context of a communal living environment. 
•    Supporting Democratic Stability in Disputes. Similar to the requirements for owners to requisition a meeting, any CAT review of election, voting, or balloting issues must be supported by 15% of owners. No single owner should be entitled to unilaterally invoke the CAT to invalidate the results of a democratic election within their condominium corporation. This threshold is necessary to prevent vexatious claims and ensure stability. 
•    Adjusting Non-Core Records Response Rates. Finally, we are advocating for the hourly rate for non-core records responses to be increased to $75. Managers and management companies fulfill nearly all records requests quickly, capably, and cost-effectively. This adjustment ensures appropriate compensation for specialized, time-consuming tasks. 

These examples illustrate just a fraction of how ACMO is working hard every day to deliver tangible benefits for our membership. In this rapidly changing and challenging regulatory world, it is essential to have a dedicated advocate. You can rest assured knowing that ACMO has got your back. 

Mark Daye, RCM
ACMO President
 

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