What Does the Shutdown Mean for Permitted Work in Condominiums?
Again, the province’s latest emergency order significantly restricts the permitted activities in the province.
What sort of work and activities can still be carried out by condominium corporations (and their owners)?
The notice from the province lists many services and types of work that are still permitted. For purposes of this blog, the key permitted items appear to be as follows:
- Snow clearing and landscaping services.
- Maintenance, repair and property management services that manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.
- Security services for residences, businesses and other properties.
So in summary: Snow clearing, landscaping, cleaning, management and security services can all continue. In addition, any necessary repair or maintenance can continue.
- Residential construction projects where,
• the project involves renovations to residential properties and construction work was started before January 12, 2021.
[As reported in our recent blog] This means that (in the case of a residential property) optional (unnecessary) renovations or improvements – whether on the common elements or in the units – can continue provided the work started before January 12, 2021.
*See the province’s list for a number of other “special types of construction” that are permitted. Those special categories may apply in some cases.
That said: In our view, it’s still up to the Board to decide what work can safely be permitted to proceed (even if permitted by the province). This is because the Board is responsible for the overall management and safe-keeping of the common elements.
Some additional notes:
- Real estate open houses are not permitted. Property showings must be by appointment only.
- Short-term rentals are prohibited except to fulfill a need for housing.
Stay tuned to Condo Law News to keep up to date on the latest developments on condominium law!
