Consultations Get Underway for New Condominium Act

Consultations are underway to develop a new Condominium Act for the province. The present legislation was drafted in 1975 and does not currently reflect the growth in the condominium industry.

�The current act was intended to regulate the industry to ensure consumers were protected; however, it does not take into account various types of condominium arrangements that have become increasingly popular,� said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services. �The new proposed act will provide better protection for first-time condominium buyers and present owners, improve the day-to-day operation of condominiums and explore other types of condominium development that are popular in other regions and not yet available in this province.�

The department has conducted research and worked extensively with the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Canadian Institute of Condominiums to develop the new proposed legislation.

�In addition, we have reviewed legislation from other parts of the country and, in particular, have modelled much of the proposed act on the most recently revised acts in the country which belong to Nova Scotia and Ontario,� said Minister O�Brien.

The department is looking for input from the public on specific criteria including disclosure, estoppel certificates, reserve fund and reserve fund studies, mediation and arbitration, liens, board of directors composition, insurance and new types of condominiums including phased, common elements, commercial, hotel and vacant land or bare use condominiums.

Letters regarding the criteria have been sent by mail to targeted stakeholder groups. In addition, a discussion document can be viewed at www.gs.gov.nl.ca/consultation/#current. Comments are asked to be submitted by October 31, 2008, and can be received by email at condoconsultation@gov.nl.ca or in writing addressed to:

Policy and Planning Division
Department of Government Services
P.O. Box 8700
St. John�s, NL A1B 4J6

The Department of Government Services will also hold a series of information sessions in a number of municipalities across the province in September. Locations and dates will be announced at a later date.

The province currently has 86 registered condominiums with the majority in St. John�s. Gander, Corner Brook, Steady Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor also have condominiums.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca