Government Services
July 30, 2008Consultations
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
2008 07 30
10:35 a.m.