Federal
Vacant residential land stirs surtax rumblings
The Canadian government is exploring options for a surtax on vacant residential land through a newly launched public consultation, which is open for submissions until December 31, 2024.
Canada bolsters guard against money laundering
Title insurers, real estate brokers and sales representatives will have new obligations to guard against money laundering and terrorist financing under proposed federal regulations.
Mortgage tips for new and existing condo owners
While the monthly fees and mortgage process can differ slightly from traditional property ownership, condos are an opportunity to grow with your community and have a say in maintaining the structure, amenities and more.
Multifamily leads uptake of EV charger funds
Multifamily landlords and condominium corporations have claimed more than a third of the funds the Canadian government has thus far allocated through its Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
‘Windows’ of opportunity for home retrofits
In low-rise homes, including condos, up to 35 per cent of heated air can be lost through the windows during the heating season.
Housing supply-demand imbalance set to persist
Recent CMHC analysis concludes that approximately 3.5 million additional dwelling units are needed to meet demand and pull prices back into closer alignment with purchasers’ and tenants’ incomes.
Strengthening your condo’s cybersecurity system
Here’s what you should know about cyberattacks, how to improve your cybersecurity network, and what to do if your corporation is hacked.
What’s ahead for Ontario’s condo market?
While overall activity has declined, condo supply continues to remain very constrained in the primary GTA markets. However, new pre-construction launches continue to be very popular.
Condos at high risk from reserve fund shortfalls
The growing crop of condo owners across Canada will likely encounter huge annual fee increases and lump-sum payments due to low reserve fund contributions, authors of a new research report are warning.
Snow and ice contractors brave insurance blizzard
Contractors working in the snow and ice management industry are facing a blizzard of challenges on the insurance side, or what many are calling a crisis.
Reserve funds ignore climate target impacts
We should be asking our reserve fund planners to look at the Paris accord target dates and compare the end-of-life replacement of our gas-burning appliances against the target dates.
Realtors scrutinize proposed blind bidding ban
One of the more contentious policies to surface over the past week is a subscribed end to blind bidding.
The private side of security cameras in condos
Security cameras should be located in such a manner that they do not record activities outside the condominium’s property line.
Three red flags of risky procurement practices
Federal scrutiny of condo procurement should be sufficient reason for diligent condo boards to examine their procurement practices.
Condo managers face pandemic burnout
I am a licensed condominium property manager, I am in my early 30s, and I am completely burned out.
Digging into the coming geothermal boom
While the relevance of geothermal has been percolating for years, the buzz is that more developers are starting to pay attention.
Construction rebar imports spur dumping inquiry
Canada Border Services Agency is currently investigating evidence that up to nine countries are dumping products that undercut domestic prices and are deleterious to Canadian manufacturers.