NDP motion would increase condo industry transparency

MPP motion would protect the rights of people buying and living in condos

TORONTO — The NDP MPP for Spadina—Fort York Chris Glover introduced a motion Wednesday to increase transparency in the condo industry and create mechanisms to protect people purchasing, owning, and living in condos from exploitation.

Glover hosted a virtual press conference to address frequent issues faced by condo buyers and owners. He was joined by condo owners and GTA Condo Directors Group members Mary Throop, Dennis Moir, and Adriana Arevalo.

"The condominium industry currently operates like the Wild West, with little oversight or accountability for developers or condo boards," Glover said. "Pre-construction condo buyers often get a unit that is smaller and comes with fewer amenities than what they paid for, and condo builders can cancel projects after holding onto buyers' money for years."

Glover's motion would standardize legal contracts for pre-construction purchases; ensure all new condo owners and tenants receive relevant information about their rights, benefits, and obligations; prohibit conflicts of interest within condo boards and protect condo owners from being locked into contracts on amenities such as Internet.

"The housing crisis has ballooned under decades of Liberal and Conservative governments," Glover said. "Doug Ford doles out favours to his developer buddies at the expense of everyday people, allowing unchecked power in the development of pre-construction condo units, and providing little enforcement of compliance for condo boards and property managers.

"There are well over a million condo dwellers in Ontario who deserve rights and protections so they can live i​n decent, well-maintained homes. The only way condo buyers will be protected is if the government brings in legislation to create a fair condo market for buyers."

The NDP's Homes You Can Afford Housing plan includes a commitment to ensure condo governance is transparent and effective, to strengthen the condominium tribunal and improve rules around condo property management.

Quotes

Adriana Arevalo, condo owner, director and founding member of the GTA Condo Directors Group:

"Condo living can be wonderfully carefree, as long as good governance is being provided by condominium management, boards of directors and all other industry players. Regulation hasn't been able to keep up with the fast growth of the condo market, leading to higher costs than necessary and owners' distress. .Better transparency at all levels is sorely needed. MPP Glover's motion is a great start that will please many condominium owners."

Mary Throop, condo owner, former director on the board of the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) and a founding member of the GTA Condo Directors Group:

"The condo industry has grown quickly, outpacing regulation. My own experience buying a pre-construction condo led to disappointment and a decision to never buy pre-construction again. Condo owners shouldn't be locked into long-term contracts by either builders or boards. MPP Glover's motion is an important step forward in its attempt to address these issues and should be welcomed by all condo owners."

Dennis Moir, condo owner, director and founding member of the GTA Condo Directors Group:

"Buyers of new construction condos receive a buyer's guide; this right needs to be extended to all condo buyers, including of pre-construction units. Education of all condominium owners is very important and should be facilitated at the time of every real estate transaction."