TSSA SAFETY INSPECTORS REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT, UNION SAYS
After a strike lasting 11 weeks, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), the union representing TSSA inspectors, say they have reached a tentative agreement. In a statement posted to its website on Friday, the TSSA said a ratification vote will take place, and, if it passes, the inspector strike will come to an end. TSSA President and CEO Bonnie Rose said she is “looking forward to welcoming our inspectors back so we can...
read moreTORONTO MAKES MASKS MANDATORY IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS
Toronto City Council has passed a roster of new bylaws meant to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 as Toronto moves to Stage 3 of re-opening. Among the bylaws passed by council Wednesday is a temporary requirement that most people wear masks while inside lobbies, elevators, laundry rooms and other shared spaces in condo and apartment buildings. The new bylaw requires building owners or operators to have a policy to ensure masks or face coverings are worn by individuals in enclosed...
read morePositive Developments for Housing Providers on Reasonable Accommodation
Two recent decisions of the Human Rights Tribunal are instructive for those in property management with respect to the duty to accommodate. Both cases involved physical modifications to residential complexes and include insight into: the procedural duty to accommodate; the substantive duty to accommodate; and, what is reasonable accommodation. In Polito v. Briarlane, the tenant requested accessible access to the residential complex by way of an automatic door opener on the front doors. The...
read moreOntario Auditor General finds serious concerns over elevator safety
A scathing report from Ontario’s Auditor General raises serious concerns about the state of elevator safety in the province, but members of the industry say the public isn’t at risk. In her report, released Wednesday, Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk slams the agency that regulates elevators, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) for poor oversight. She writes that in 2018, just over 80 per cent of elevators failed their TSSA inspection. “Most Ontario elevators and escalators are not...
read moreEPIC 2017: A huge success!
On Monday November 6th 2017 our industry was witness to the highly successful, informative, new and innovative show that brought LCD’s, Owners and trades together for a true insight on how to take advantage of industry incentive programs. RHB Magazine was the media sponsor of Energy Programs and Incentives Conference (EPIC) 2017, which showcases active energy programs within the City of Toronto, in addition to rebates and incentives that help building owners and managers, as well as engineers...
read moreEnergy Programs and Incentives Conference (EPIC) 2017
MINGO Rally presents: The Energy Programs and Incentives Conference (EPIC), Toronto ONE FOCUS. ONE GOAL. Did you know that more than tens of $millions of energy incentives are available to building owners every year? Navigating the variety of energy programs and incentives available to apartment owners can be overwhelming and intimidating. EPIC – The Energy Programs and Incentives Conference, showcases active energy programs within the City of Toronto, along with their incentives and...
read moreDeadline to File Ontario Accessibility Compliance Reports
December 31, 2014 Deadline to File Accessibility Compliance Report All private and non-profit organizations with 20+ employees must file an accessibility compliance report by December 31, 2014. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, businesses and organizations with 20 or more employees are required to report on their policies and practices to make their services accessible to people with disabilities. This reporting relates to customer service accessibility only, and is...
read moreWorking Through Maintenance Delays With Residents
The modern-day renter chooses the renter lifestyle because it’s convenient and worry free. Once they become residents of your property, how can you ensure you deliver that implied promise? Keeping the ship running smoothly is an uphill battle — appliances will break, amenities need maintenance, and maintenance delays will happen. They key to placating frustrated residents as you work to resolve issues is delivering great customer service. Keep residents in the loop As a resident, it’s...
read more