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The Importance of Consultation and Collaboration

In the case of YCC 288 v. Tamhane, the condominium corporation had “no pets” provisions in the Declaration and Rules. The corporation had nevertheless permitted a dog as a service animal (i.e. an accommodation of a human rights need). 

The dog had been involved in some alleged “lunging incidents.” As a result, the condominium corporation felt that the dog was a safety risk and sought an order for the dog’s removal. The condominium corporation had also imposed certain conditions upon the dog, and sought to enforce those conditions (as an alternative remedy). The conditions dealt with muzzling as training as well as restrictions upon the dog’s travels through the common elements. The conditions had been prepared without any consultation or discussion with the dog owner. 

The CAT reviewed the evidence about the lunging incidents, and determined that there was in fact no safety risk and therefore no “undue hardship” to the condominium community. The Tribunal therefore declined to order the dog’s removal.

The further question for the CAT to determine was: Were the corporation’s conditions enforceable?

The CAT determined that the conditions were not enforceable because the Board had not prepared the conditions in a fair and reasonable manner. Here’s what the Tribunal said:

While I agree with YCC 288 that deference should be to the decisions of a condominium board, such deference shall not be given when a decision is either unfair or unreasonable.

Given YCC 288 never engaged the Respondent in discussions regarding their concerns for Sumo’s (the dog’s) behaviour, I find their decision to unilaterally impose conditions on Sumo was unreasonable, not in good faith and lacked the exercise of due diligence. In contrast, a reasonable decision, made in good faith and with due diligence is one made after gathering all the relevant information, including that from all affected parties, which in this matter should have included the Respondent.

Further, in keeping with the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability, section 8.6, states that the accommodation process is a shared responsibility; everyone involved should co-operatively engage in the process, share information, and consider potential accommodation solutions. In my view, this obligation extends to problem solving when issues arise that are related to an approved accommodation. As previously noted in this decision, YCC 288’s witnesses confirmed that YCC 288 did not engage in conversations with the Respondent about conditions for Sumo’s behaviour in the condominium building. In this regard, I agree with the Respondent that YCC 288 breached their procedural duty under the Code by failing to engage the Respondent in discussions about their concerns with respect to his accommodation of Sumo living in the building.

So in summary, this case confirms the importance of consultation and collaboration, particularly when it comes to decisions about human rights matters. As long as condominium corporations are careful to consult and collaborate (when reasonably required), adjudicators will however show deference to their decisions.

As always, stay tuned to Condo Law News to keep up to date on the latest developments in condominium law!