TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Condo owners, residents and directors will now have access to a trusted source of information and resources thanks to the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO), a new organization created to support condominium living across the province.
"The Condominium Authority of Ontario will play a pivotal role in addressing the growing needs of condo communities in Ontario so that people who call a condo their home can enjoy peace of mind," said Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "I would like to thank the Condominium Authority of Ontario's board and team for their efforts in helping to build more sustainable communities across our province now, and for years to come."
Ontario's newest administrative authority will offer:
- Information about condo ownership and condo living information, including a guide for condo buyers
- Free, online training for condo directors to ensure that condo boards run smoothly
- Self-help tools for members of the condo community who have questions or want to resolve disputes on their own
- A new online dispute resolution tribunal that will include online guided negotiation, mediation and adjudication to help resolve issues and settle disputes
"As the first designated authority for the condominium sector in Ontario, the CAO is focused on supporting condo living," observed Tom Wright, CAO Chair. "As part of the government's consumer protection initiative, we will assist condo owners and residents by providing timely, relevant information and resources to foster healthier condo communities as more and more residents choose condominiums as their homes."
The CAO will enhance consumer protection for condo owners by helping them understand their rights, and by providing condo board directors with the training they need to understand their roles and responsibilities under the new legislation.
Given the breadth of services it will offer, the CAO is phasing its launch. In addition to continuing to enhance information and tools, key dates include:
- September 1, 2017 – CAO begins operations; launches website with online tools and information for condo living in Ontario
- November 1, 2017 – CAO to launch free, online training for condo board directors
- November 1, 2017 – CAO, through the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT), will initially provide online dispute resolution services for condo owners seeking access to condo corporation records
"The CAO is very pleased about launching the website for Ontario's condo owners, residents and directors. Our goal is to empower condo communities through information about their rights and responsibilities, as well as easy to follow steps for resolving common issues," said Robin Dafoe, CAO Executive Director. She added, "This new 'beta' website is just the beginning. As we continue to roll out supports and services, we look forward to hearing from condo communities about how best we can enhance and build our services to meet their needs. This is an exciting first step in supporting condo living and maximizing the enjoyment of condo home ownership across Ontario."
For more information about the CAO and its services, please go to the website.
Mandatory licensing and training requirements for condominium managers will be the responsibility of a separate administrative authority, the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO), which is scheduled to begin operations on November 1, 2017. Visit www.cmrao.ca for more information.
SOURCE Condominium Authority of Ontario
For media inquiries, contact: Priya Ramsingh, Manager, Communications, Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO), 416-770-5632, [email protected]
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