Regulations & Codes
Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities
New updates to the OBC, which come into effect January 1, 2025, do little to address accessibility. How can existing condos prioritize inclusion when planning for renovations?
Eco-friendly condo upgrades
Reaching net zero by 2050 means sustainability targets for new and existing condo buildings will need to change quickly.
How can developers protect against defaulting buyers? Mitigation strategies in today’s market
Developers of residential homes have faced significantly increased numbers of purchasers not closing their deals due to the inability to obtain financing.
Condos viewed as viable long-term housing option
A recent survey, commissioned by Toronto developer Devron, shows that 47% of Torontonians believe condos are viable long-term housing option.
Shaping Toronto’s skyline
While improvements in construction technology, metallurgy and resource management have helped developers to build high-rises at more feasible costs, the design process could be more closely considered.
Politics, red tape and the housing industry crisis
A timeline of legislation that shaped Ontario’s current supply and affordability issues.
WELL evolves into residential communities
Minto Communities is the first developer in Canada to pilot the WELL for residential program, which sets out to create healthier homes.
A guide to understanding noise in condos
Resolving noise complaints requires an understanding of how sound moves through a building and the obligations of a condominium.
Designing a successful private condo terrace
The first step is to have a landscape architect draft up a preliminary plan for the terrace or balcony renovation.
Tornado research uncovers risks for homeowners
Canada’s tornado risk is more widespread than once thought, according to a growing body of research that, for the first time, tracks the occurrence and aftermath facing property owners across the country.
Existing condos: rising to modern standards
New regulations from multiple levels of government are forcing condominium boards and property management companies to consider more than just a simple cost-benefit calculation when examining repair and retrofit options.
Electric ride-sharing is the newest condo amenity
Residents of a freshly built mid-rise in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto have a fleet of electric vehicles waiting for them to use, whether that’s for a trip around town, a weekend getaway to the cottage or visiting family out-of-province.
The truth about acoustic underlayment
With the increasing number of people living in condominiums, the need for superior sound control underlayment has become more prevalent than ever.
Plugging into the future of EV charging
New buildings are subject to laws and regulations, which require them to be compatible with EVCs.
Living with dignity in multi-generational housing
Multi-generational homes are often an afterthought for builders who continue to favour housing geared to nuclear families. Rarely do municipalities legislate them.
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.
The fatal flaws behind the Surfside condo collapse
Building failures of this horrific scope are seldom seen in North America. But it is important to examine what happened so we can learn and prevent similar collapses in the future.