The Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) is a consumer protection agency established to protect the rights of condominium owners and residents in Ontario. It provides education, dispute resolution services, and oversight of condominium governance to ensure compliance with provincial legislation and enhance transparency and accountability within the condominium sector.
Governance
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide on Governance provides condominium directors the fundamental information needed for effective administrative practices. This resource covers board responsibilities, decision-making processes, conflict resolution strategies, and other topics to promote good governance standards and to support the sustainable management of condominium communities across Ontario.
Procurement
Procurement refers to the process of obtaining goods, services, or works from an external source, typically through purchasing or contracting.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide on Procurement offers detailed guidance for condominium directors on how to navigate the procurement process effectively and efficiently. It outlines key steps such as defining requirements, identifying the right documents and procurement needed, how to navigate the most appropriate approach, the selection and purchasing process, and overall maintenance.
Finance
Financial statements are crucial for condo corporations as they disclose the financial health and management of the condominium, aiding in informed decision-making and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide on Finance offers comprehensive advice on financial management practices for condominium directors, covering topics such as budgeting, financial reporting, reserve fund planning, compliance with relevant legislation, and more.
Overseeing Condominium Managers
Condominium boards may hire a licensed condo manager to oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a condominium community. Condominium managers act as a liaison between residents and the condo corporation and are responsible for tasks such as property maintenance, financial management, enforcing bylaws, and facilitating communication among stakeholders.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s guide on Overseeing Condominium Managers provides condominium corporations with comprehensive guidance on best practices about understanding Condo manager’s roles and managing them effectively. It covers topics such as hiring and evaluating managers, setting expectations, and how to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Emergency Planning & Preparedness
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide on Emergency Planning and Preparedness offers effective strategies for condominium directors in response to emergencies that may present risk to health, life, property, or the environment.
This guide covers topics such as risk assessment, creating emergency plans, communication protocols, evacuation procedures, and coordination with emergency services, aiming to enhance safety and resilience within condominium communities during unforeseen events or crises.
EVCS
EVCS stands for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. They are designed to recharge electric vehicles (EVs). As more people make the move from traditional modes of transport to electric, access to EV charging systems have become more important to condo living.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide for Electronic Vehicles provides guidance to condominium owners and boards on how to install, manage, and regulate EVCS within condominium properties, addressing considerations such as installation procedures, maintenance, legal implications, and templates to assist owners in applying for, and boards in responding to, EVCS installations.
Self-Managed Condos
Although self- managed condominiums are managed by the board of directors, as opposed to a condominium manager, they are still bound by the same legal requirements as any other corporation.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s Guide for Self-Managed Condos includes all that is needed to know about being a director of a condominium corporation, covering topics such as governance, operations, finances, and community conduct.
Annual Condominium Requirements
The Condominium Authority of Ontario’s guide for Annual Condominium Requirements provides all needed requirements for a condo corporation under the legal obligations stated in the Condo Act.