After an extensive and thoughtful review based on feedback from the public, the government is in the process of redrafting Ontario’s Condominium Act of 1998 to better meet the needs of today’s consumers. Things certainly have changed in the past 14 years, especially with condominiums becoming such a staple in new home ownership across the Greater Toronto Area.

The review was staged in three parts, beginning in the fall of 2012. First, the government asked the public to bring issues and ideas to the table. These involved governance, dispute resolution, finances, consumer protection and condo management.

Stage 2 involved professionals with condominium expertise looking over the findings from Stage 1 and reported on how issues could be resolved. Then it was on to Stage 3, during which roundtable sessions were held across the province to discuss those recommendations. The feedback is in, and the government is reviewing the comments and rewriting the Act. The entire process was facilitated by Canada’s Public Policy Forum, which is a recognized leader in engaging the public for initiatives such as this one. Various stakeholder panels were involved as well.

To find out more about the review process, including reading the session summaries and reports that were generated, visit the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services website at www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/pages/condo_rev.aspx

Combined with Ontario Building Code continually evolving to demand higher construction standards, we are in an enviable position as new home buyers. How wonderful that our leaders are listening to, reacting and working toward a better future for all of us.