Protecting Condo Communities: Proposed Changes to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act

To learn more about the Safety & Security in Condominium Communities Joint Task Force and participate in the survey, visit the official CAI Canada page here.

Directors, employees and contractors: have you ever experienced violence or harassment at the condo you work/volunteer for?

The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO), the Toronto & Area Chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI-T), and the Community Association Institute (CAI-C) are calling for critical updates to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Their goal? To ensure better protection for condominium directors and officers who often face threats, harassment, and safety risks while serving their communities.

The Problem

Condominium communities are home to over 1.7 million Ontarians. However, a lack of clear safety protections has led to rising concerns:

• Threats and harassment: Many directors face hostility while enforcing condo rules.

• Volunteer shortages: Safety fears discourage owners from running for condo board positions.

  
  

Proposed Solutions

The associations have submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Labour to:

1. Expand OHSA Protections: Include condo directors and officers as “workers” under specific circumstances.

2. Designate Condos as Workplaces: Legally classify all condominium properties as workplaces under OHSA.

3. Mandatory Compliance: Ensure owners, residents, and guests follow violence and harassment policies without requiring additional rules.

4. Enable Swift Action: Give corporations regulatory support to act against individuals violating safety policies.

   
   

Bridging Awareness Gaps

Many condo corporations are unaware that their properties are considered workplaces under OHSA when workers (e.g., contractors) are on-site. The letter emphasizes the need for outreach from both the Ministry and condo associations to educate boards about their responsibilities.

Why This Matters

High-profile incidents, like the tragic shooting at Bellaria Residences in 2022, highlight the urgent need for change. Condo directors, often unpaid volunteers, are stepping down due to safety concerns, leaving communities vulnerable. These proposed legislative updates would create safer, more secure environments for all.

The associations are urging Ontario's leadership to act swiftly, and they welcome opportunities to collaborate on these changes. Protecting those who serve condo communities is essential for fostering safe and thriving neighborhoods.

What do you think? Should condo directors and officers receive stronger legal protections? Share your thoughts below!

Read more on their official website.