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Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the upcoming CFAA Rental Housing Conference taking place this May in Toronto!
Dive into a world of knowledge with our stellar line-up of educational sessions and speakers that are set to inspire and empower you. From industry insights to practical tips, this year's conference promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Mark your calendars and join us for an enriching event that you won't want to miss.
Secure your spot today!
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As we progress through 2024, the Federation of Rentalhousing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) is more dedicated than ever to championing the needs of our sector and the communities we support. This year is particularly significant as we deepen our government relations efforts, focusing on pivotal policy issues that impact rental housing in Ontario and across the federal landscape.
Our dialogue with government bodies continues to be robust and productive. A highlight of these engagements was the Housing Luncheon with Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Sean Fraser, an event sponsored by FRPO and hosted by the Empire Club. This gathering underscored our role as a bridge between the industry and policymakers at all levels, facilitating critical discussions on housing strategies and solutions.
Additionally, the recently released Altus Group-FRPO report on the proposed "Use It or Lose It" policy in Ontario is a cornerstone of our advocacy this year. This comprehensive analysis offers a deep dive into the potential implications of such a policy, guiding our conversations with stakeholders and reinforcing our commitment to informed, data-driven advocacy.
Looking ahead, we are keenly focused on the upcoming provincial and federal budgets, hopeful for measures that will further empower the rental housing supply. Additionally, the introduction of the new Housing Supply bill in Ontario, aiming to stimulate the building of 1.5 million homes over the next decade, marks a watershed moment for our sector. We hope this legislation represents a step forward in our collective quest to address Ontario's housing needs.
As we navigate these opportunities and challenges, our mission remains clear: to advocate for and support the development of rental housing that is not only accessible and affordable but also a cornerstone of vibrant communities across Ontario. We are committed to working alongside government partners, stakeholders, and our members to turn these policy ambitions into reality.
The road ahead is filled with promise. With every policy discussion, every report, and every legislative development, we move closer to our vision of a future where every Ontarian has access to a home that supports their well-being and aspirations. Together, we will continue to drive forward, ensuring that our industry not only meets the challenges of today but also the demands of tomorrow.
Warm regards,
Tony Irwin President and CEO FRPO Garage & Balcony Assessment & Restoration
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Date and Time:
Part 1: April 4, 10 or 18, 2024;
Part 2: April 22, 2024 | 9:30 am - 11:50 am
Date and Time:
May 9, 2024 | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Join us for these important legal sessions designed to equip rental housing providers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the intricate landscape of the RTA with confidence. This event will take place in two webinars; login details will be sent 24 hours prior to each session.
Date and Time:
April 25, 2024 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for these important legal sessions designed to equip rental housing providers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the intricate landscape of the RTA with confidence. This event will take place in-person at the Old Mill Inn in Toronto.
Stay ahead of the curve as we delve into topics such as extraordinary municipal property tax increases and recovery through Above Guideline Increases (AGIs), procedural updates including the latest changes at the LTB Portal, as well as insights into the current process and timelines for a hearing. We’ll also discuss best practices to manage assignments, sublets, and avoid 'unauthorized occupancies' as this continues to be on the rise due to affordability issues.
View brochure here for full details.
Date and Time:
May 6, 2024 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
FRPO will hold this year's Annual General Meeting on May 6 at 2:00 pm. This meeting will take place in a virtual format and will include an overview of the past year, updates from our Chair of the Board and President, approval of the financials, appointment of auditors, and election of Directors. We encourage all members in good standing to participate in this important event. Registration details will be provided to the membership closer to the event. Save the date!
PM Springfest brings together property management professionals to connect with leading suppliers, explore new innovations, and learn from industry experts about the latest regulatory, health, and life safety changes; efficient energy management strategies; retrofitting aging buildings; essential capital planning details; and much more. Find out more here
Date and Time:
May 14 – 16, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The 2024 CFAA Rental Housing Conference returns to Toronto on May 14 to 16. Registration details will be provided shortly. Stay tuned.
Date and Time:
July 23, 2024 | 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
The 2024 FRPO Charity Classic will return to Lionhead Golf Club on July 23 in support of Interval House. This event will open for registration later this spring. Members will be notified by email. Be sure to book your spot fast as this event is sure to sell out quickly. See you there!
Date and Time:
September 11, 2024 | 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Network, connect, and learn from the market experts on investment, financing, development, and management of all forms of multi-residential apartments. Find out more here
Date and Time:
December 5, 2024 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The 2024 FRPO MAC Awards will take place on Thursday, December 5 in conjunction with the Buildings Show. Stay tuned for more information.
Please check www.frpo.org regularly for newly added events.
Ontario’s multi-residential sector remains one of the most resilient segments of commercial real estate capital markets. Notwithstanding market volatility over the last 18 months, investor sentiment for multifamily assets remains strong. At the onset of 2024, values have weathered the impact of higher borrowing costs and are well-positioned to counteract higher interest rates through recurring income growth. Please see below for a summary of recent deals and active listings as of Q1 2024.
For additional info on cap rates, valuations, and market trends in the current investment landscape, please reach out to a member of the CBRE National Apartment Group.
Premier Niagara Region Apartment Portfolio Welland, Ontario
5 Properties | 427 Units ACTIVE LISTING
2 Properties | 274 Units ACTIVE LISTING
As we continue our commitment to fostering a brighter future for Ontario's rental housing landscape, the "Say Yes" campaign has been a beacon of advocacy and action. With the support and passion of our community, we've achieved remarkable milestones that not only highlight the campaign's resonance but also its profound impact on promoting more rental housing supply.
Remarkable reach and engagement: To date, the "Say Yes" campaign has successfully reached over 28,000 individuals, garnering more than 4,700 clicks. This remarkable level of engagement underscores the importance of our mission and the collective desire for change.
Growing supporter base: The campaign's message has resonated widely, bringing over 400 new supporters into our fold. Each new member strengthens our voice, amplifying our call for action across Ontario.
Influential advocacy in action: Almost 1,000 emails have been delivered directly to mayors and councillors throughout the province, thanks to our dedicated supporters. These messages are a powerful testament to the collective will for policy changes that support the growth of rental housing supply.
Expanding our online presence: In our ongoing efforts to engage and inform, we're diversifying our content strategy to include more dynamic and varied content.
Videos featuring Tony Irwin, our President and CEO, have played a crucial role in personalizing our message and enhancing our online image.
Boosting our message across media platforms: We're leveraging both social and traditional media to amplify our campaign. The spotlight on the FRPO-Altus Group Policy Discussion Report on the "Use It or Lose It" policy in Ontario has been instrumental in drawing attention to the critical need for carefully targeted legislative changes to support rental housing development.
As we forge ahead, the "Say Yes" campaign is more than just a call to action—it's a movement. With every supporter, click, and email, we move closer to our goal of ensuring that everyone in Ontario has access to affordable and suitable rental housing. Let's continue to stand together, advocate for change, and say "Yes" to more housing.
To add your voice, visit our website at https://www.sayyes.letsbuildontario.ca/.
Last year’s MAC Awards gala took place on November 30, 2023 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. More than 1,400 industry professionals, sponsors, suppliers, and others gathered to celebrate this year’s winners of the awards recognizing the best in rental housing. We sat down with three of the winners to learn more about them:
• Property Manager of the Year: Ben P. Antwi, Signet Group
• Leasing Manager of the Year: Diane Murray, Park Property Management
• Resident Manager of the Year: Anna Ciulli, Greenwin
FRPO: What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Ben Antwi: The Property Manager of the Year award meant so much to me professionally and personally. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and pride that I could share with my family. It showed that my colleagues recognized my efforts, hard work, action, camaraderie, and teamwork. It meant I was on the right path to accomplishing my lifelong goal of helping people find a place to call home.
Diane Murray: The FRPO MAC award was a huge award both personally and professionally. Just doing my job on a daily basis to the best of my ability, I can't believe I was recognized for that and professionally it has made me feel humble and successful.
Anna Ciulli: After dedicating myself to this career for 25 years, receiving this award has given me the gratification of acknowledging all my hard work. Professionally, I feel I have exceeded the expectations of my team in providing welcoming assistance and creating personable relationships with the residents over the years, which is so rewarding to me.
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FRPO: What challenges do you typically face in your role and how do you overcome them?
Ben Antwi: My typical challenge is dealing with tenants looking for service and working collaboratively with the team to provide the answers. To overcome these issues, I analyze each situation's merits, including income, payment plans, assistance from multiple programs, and tenant history. The goal is to ensure that a tenant keeps their home and assists them with a plan to clear outstanding balances.
Diane Murray:
The challenge I faced day to day was being able to manage all the leads. I overcame them with teamwork and prioritizing my clients the best I could.
Anna Ciulli: One of the challenges I face in my role is managing multiple properties, each with unique requirements. From the residents to the contractors and team members, I challenge myself to make sure all members of both buildings are always happy. One thing I do to achieve this is make personal goals and deadlines for myself before the actual deadline.
Diane Murray: I focus on prioritizing one task at a time.
Anna Ciulli: Having an agenda for both of my buildings has helped me in many ways. It helps me stay on track in prioritizing the most urgent tasks, regardless of whether it is for Greenwin or the residents. Sticky notes are also my best friend!
FRPO: What key qualities should someone in your role possess to do the job well?
Ben Antwi: The essential qualities for a property manager are honesty, empathy, optimism, patience, active listening skills, excellent communication skills, and a growth mindset. You must be willing to listen and sometimes put yourself in others' shoes to succeed even when dealing with difficult situations.
FRPO: How do you prioritize the needs of both your employers and tenants?
Ben Antwi: It is essential to strike a healthy balance when dealing with the needs of employers and tenants in this industry. As a property manager, I am committed to ensuring my employer's needs are met, including collecting rent, ensuring the properties are in good condition, and dealing with tenant issues.
Diane Murray: Have a sense of urgency, and listen to the needs of your clients so you don't waste time finding something that does not suit their needs. If you can do the consultation correctly, then the next steps are easy.
Anna Ciulli: Patience and compassion are key elements for this role. When dealing with people, you need to have the utmost patience and a calm composure to process the task at hand.
FRPO: What advice would you give to others who would like to excel in their careers?
Ben Antwi: For anyone looking to excel in their careers, you must take your career seriously and set goals to achieve. You must be honest and treat everyone with respect. Be prepared to ask for help and trust your team to achieve the same collective goal.
Diane Murray: For someone to excel in this career, you must work hard and have exceptional customer service, and connect with the people.
Anna Ciulli: The best advice I could give would be to love what you do. This career will challenge you on a daily basis but over time you will learn how to overcome the difficulties you may face. Work hard and you shall succeed farther than you can imagine.
FRPO: Thank you for your time, and congratulations on winning your respective MAC Awards.
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When I was tasked with crafting an article for International Women’s Day, I felt both liberated and daunted by the opportunity to explore any topic. So I consulted with some respected industry peers to understand the challenges women face in the workplace today, and one recurring theme stood out— being authentic while being judged based on gender norms and leadership stereotypes. Women often have to balance societal expectations with their own emotions, fearing they'll be seen as either too bold or not bold enough—and in many cases, they're told as much. It's disheartening that we're still discussing this paradoxical dilemma of women and leadership, a topic that has persisted for decades.
In the realm of leadership, we've long clung to a certain image: the assertive, decisive leader who exudes confidence and effortlessly takes charge. It's a stereotype deeply ingrained in our collective psyche, a model against which many aspiring leaders measure themselves. But as society evolves and our understanding of leadership grows, it's becoming increasingly clear that this archetype doesn't quite capture the full spectrum of leadership potential, especially when it comes to women taking the helm— and mark these very words, we are!
Imagine a diverse group of women leaders, each with her own unique background, personality, and approach to leadership. Some may exude assertiveness and take charge with confidence (a ‘pitbull’), while others lead with empathy and collaboration (a ‘pushover’). There's no one-size-fits-all formula for leadership success among women, just as there isn't for men. Despite this diversity, women must navigate a bevy of expectations and biases, continuously juggling conflicting demands and judgments, and feeling restricted within the confines of a metaphorical leadership box.
On one hand, women are expected to embody nurturing qualities, to be empathetic and compassionate leaders who prioritize the well-being of their teams. On the other hand, they're also expected to be assertive and decisive, to command respect and authority in the boardroom. It's a delicate balancing act, one that often leaves women feeling frustrated and suffocated—our frequency laying low.
While men are celebrated for showing empathy and sensitivity, women can be perceived as too emotional or soft if they exhibit similar traits. It's a double standard that puts women at a disadvantage, forcing them to navigate the workplace with caution lest they be labeled as "weak" or "unfit" for leadership roles…enter the glass cliff.
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Despite these challenges, women continue to redefine what it means to be a leader, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations. They bring a unique blend of qualities to the table—empathy, resilience, adaptability—that are invaluable in today's rapidly changing world. Women leaders aren't just passionate and creative but also super resourceful and great at problem-solving. They're the ones who drive progress and innovation by thinking outside the box and tackling challenges head-on. But here's the thing: you have to give them the space to do it. Sure, some will take it without hesitation, but it shouldn't be such a hassle to include them.
So, you may be asking: What steps can companies take to support and empower female leaders? Initially, they can challenge conventional leadership norms and foster an inclusive culture that values diverse leadership styles. This entails offering mentorship opportunities, encouraging open dialogue, and promoting work-life balance. Companies should also address unconscious biases and ensure equal opportunities for advancement, guaranteeing women have a seat at decisionmaking tables.
While some of these practices may seem commonplace and already implemented within your organization, it's essential not to assume uniformity across all companies. In some instances, despite outward claims, organizations may falter in their support for female leaders. Thus, seeking input from female leaders is crucial. Embrace their perspectives, remain receptive to their insights, and approach discussions with empathy and openness.
By redefining our leadership expectations and fostering environments conducive to female success, we unlock their full potential, paving the way for a more equitable future. It's imperative to commit wholeheartedly to creating spaces where every woman can thrive, free from the burden of unjust expectations. And let's not forget, forming a committee of women and expecting them to shoulder additional research and duties beyond their current roles isn't sufficient.
The essence lies in breaking down barriers, challenging biases, and discarding antiquated ideals. Let's engage in self-reflection, ask difficult questions, and gain a profound understanding of what our leaders truly need to excel. Through these endeavours, we not only pave a path to success for ourselves but also uplift our organizations and communities.
I encourage you to embark on this journey with open hearts and minds, recognizing that efforts today will undoubtedly yield a brighter tomorrow for all. And remember, empowering women to have a seat at the table doesn't diminish anyone else's portion of the pie.
The crisis of homelessness and housing insecurity continues to run rampant in Ontario, with demand far outpacing supply, and year-over-year rent growth outpacing wages. In fact, according to CMHC, Ontario’s apartment vacancy rate was just 1.7% as of October 2023, and the Canada-wide average was at an all-time low of 1.5%.
Homelessness is a complex problem that requires a complex solution. It is one of the most significant factors impacting a person’s health and well-being.
“Housing is a basic human right on which we build the foundation for our lives,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO at CMHA Waterloo-Wellington. “When housing is inadequate or unavailable, personal as well as community well-being suffers. Homelessness can amplify daily and devastating challenges related to food
and income insecurity, addiction, and mental health issues, and these impacts are felt deeply. Adequate housing significantly contributes to better physical and mental health outcomes.”
As rental housing providers, many of us have first-hand experience with how these issues are interwoven. We may even be able to say that we understand how they interplay on a level that no other industry can. We must own our responsibility to leverage our resources and find significant, impactful, and effective ways to help.
Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a crucial piece of the puzzle in solving homelessness. The PSH model is an evidence-based and cost-effective solution for people experiencing chronic homelessness due to longterm disabilities and mental health concerns.
In 2024, a new 32-unit PSH development will be opening at 10 Shelldale Crescent in Guelph, Ontario. This development is a collaborative project among Skyline Group of Companies, Kindle Communities (a non-profit housing provider), and the Guelph Community Health Centre (Guelph CHC).
“10 Shelldale will house 32 people in 2024 that are currently experiencing chronic homelessness,” said Daria Allan-Ebron, CEO of Kindle Communities. “This permanent supportive housing solution will provide integrated housing and healthcare services to people with complex needs in Guelph-Wellington. This is a really innovative model of housing and healthcare services coming together to support our community’s goal of ending homelessness.”
This development is a prime example of a rental housing provider, non-profit organizations, and all levels of government working in collaboration to solve Ontario’s housing crisis. In the original press release for 10 Shelldale’s groundbreaking, Honourable Michael A.
Tibollo, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, noted, “Stable and secure housing is a cornerstone of wellness. . . Housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and addiction are interrelated, and by providing purpose-built living spaces with wrap-around supports, 10 Shelldale is helping to tackle each of these challenges in the Guelph-Wellington area.”
10 Shelldale is located in the Onward Willow neighbourhood, one of Guelph’s most marginalized areas. In 2021, with two vacant land parcels in the neighbourhood, Skyline approached Kindle Communities, who had a strategic plan to build and operate PSH that would help end homelessness in Guelph. Skyline had been holding out for the highest best use of the land – and this was it.
It took not only land donation, but also leveraging resources and relationships, to get shovels in the ground. Skyline, Kindle, and Guelph CHC worked with the city, county, provincial, and federal governments, as well as the local schoolboard and community groups. Architects, engineers, and suppliers were consulted. Skyline tapped into the expertise of its staff for construction oversight, legal, marketing, etc., ultimately contributing approximately $2.7 million to the project.
Ground broke at the development in September 2022 and 10 Shelldale’s first residents will be welcomed in 2024. In addition to fanfare from all levels of government at the time of groundbreaking, the development also saw a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in January 2024, where he announced that the federal government and the City of Guelph were launching a three-year, $21.4 million plan to fast-track the building of 750 local homes.
Beyond getting 32 people off the streets of Guelph, the greater social impact includes a positive effect on the community’s prosperity, reduced demand on social services, a strengthened economy bringing more people and businesses to the city, and more.
10 Shelldale has already inspired others, creating a positive ripple effect resulting in government investment, in-kind donations from other businesses, and municipalities reaching out for consultation on similar projects. 10 Shelldale’s project partners hope that the development will ultimately serve as a prototype to be replicated in other communities across Ontario, and indeed across the country.
Rental housing providers can exercise creativity and out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to supporting housing—as well as food security, addiction treatment, and mental health. We can all learn from one another and there is no shortage of different paths that can be taken to do so. In-house tenant support programs and refugee assistance programs, food and clothing drives, and sponsoring food security programs are examples. Companies can plant the seed to get a project in motion, they can use their influence to help get the project in front of the right audiences for maximum impact, and they can encourage others to get involved.
For example, this past fall, Skyline invested $1.5 million in a Habitat for Humanity community bond to help complete the construction of an affordable townhouse development in Fergus, Ontario. Some might ask why a rental housing provider would make this type of
investment in home ownership; the answer is that it will take investment in the full spectrum of housing options—including owned homes—to put enough roofs over people’s heads.
Homelessness is not just detrimental to the people experiencing it. It can have a profound effect on the health of a community, and it is our responsibility as rental housing providers to enrich our communities. It is a win for our industry as much as for the community, especially in a time where housing is in short supply, and people are looking for leadership. Rental providers in Canada are ready and willing to be part of the solution. Landlords are stepping up in communities across Canada, with both compassion for the problem and a drive to deliver more inventory where it is needed most.
With our intimate understanding of the industry, we as rental providers can bring great value to the discussion and should be viewed as an ally and resource. We can improve upon the situation and be part of the solution by working with communities and government toward a common goal to deliver much-needed supply. We should continue leveraging our resources, enacting positive change, and demonstrating leadership to find the solutions to mitigate this crisis.
Since 2005, FLATO Developments has been building master planned communities. In 2022, FLATO welcomed the tenants into its first purpose-built mid-rise rental building Edgewood Suites, located in Dundalk, Ontario.
President of FLATO Developments, Shakir Rehmatullah, decided to build a 55+ active adult apartment brand after hearing feedback from local community members in Dundalk. Located north of the GTA, Dundalk is a small town full of charm and strong connections. Locals wanted to stay nearby and the small-town charisma has proven a steady draw for others from the GTA.
Shakir heard feedback that many of the older adults in the community wanted new housing options. Older community members that wanted to sell their large family homes had to leave the area if they wanted modern and affordable options on a smaller scale. Shakir realized that the experience in Dundalk was common outside of the city, where new housing was often cater often catered ing to growing families rather than empty-nesters. From here, the Edgewood Suites brand of purpose-built, active adult rentals was born.
Dundalk is host to the flagship Edgewood Suites project. Nestled between walking trails through green space and the 77-km long CP Rail Trail, Edgewood Suites is surrounded by nature. This 80-unit project offers a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom floorplans. Units offer all the conveniences of in-suite laundry, balconies, walk-in closets, and dedicated hot water and thermostat controls. Open floorplans are bathed in natural light. Designed with aging in mind, units are barrier-free with wide doorways, have walk-in showers, and all bathrooms have grab bars. These independent living units include no meals or healthcare services, but staff are available to refer tenants to local resources to meet their changing needs. This approach allows Edgewood Suites to offer well-appointed units and a full social calendar at a price far below that of many retirement villages, which helps keep these units affordable for all price points.
While units offer peaceful privacy, the common amenities are the perfect place to party. The gym is the best way to stay active in any weather, the faith room is ideal for joining hands in higher thoughts, the library offers book club meetings and a putting green, and the lobby is where adventures begin. Now the most used space, by far, is the harvest table in the games room. While this space offers multiple options, everyone gravitates to sit together, adding
seats as needed, to enjoy pizza nights and potlucks, craft sessions and coffee socials. It’s not uncommon to walk into the games room to 20+ people gathered round, chatting and laughing together, as they enjoy each other’s company. Property Manager, Adriana Bell, says, “There is always food, usually homemade, and always amazing. We have a great community here, and that is what sets us apart from other housing options. It comes down to the people.”
FLATO Developments will continue to expand on the Edgewood Suites brand by developing purpose-built active adult apartments in Owen Sound, Markham, Beeton, and Kawartha Lakes. FLATO is excited to bring student rentals to Owen Sound, on a site that looks onto the Georgian College campus.
If fishing is more your style, check out the up-and-coming spring launch of a resort-style cottage rental program in Cameron, Ontario, featuring newly built private cottages in view of Sturgeon Lake. These will connect to the future golf course development and marina redevelopment projects FLATO is undertaking in this area.
In addition, FLATO is excited to be working with municipalities like Dundalk, Lindsay, and Owen Sound to build duplex-style houses integrated into the traditional subdivision layout. These will look like traditional singles or townhouses and feature ready-tooccupy secondary suites. Whether a first-time home buyer looking to have a secondary income, or a seasoned investor looking for positive cash flow, these housing options are a testament to the progressive approach to housing solutions that FLATO Developments brings to the table.
With so much on the horizon, FLATO Developments is one to watch. Check them out at flatogroup.com and edgewoodsuites.ca to keep up to date on what this progressive company is doing next.
FRPO engaged Altus Group Economic Consulting to conduct a comprehensive analysis regarding the potential ramifications of implementing a Use It or Lose It (UILI) policy on Ontario's housing supply. This initiative was spurred by the expressed intentions of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to include a UILI policy in the upcoming 2024 Housing Supply Action Plan (HSAP), aimed at enhancing housing supply by maximizing the utilization of existing development approvals. The study delves into various alternative policy approaches to UILI and emphasizes the importance of mitigating any unintended or adverse outcomes associated with its implementation.
UILI policies represent a strategic approach to accelerate the utilization of pre-existing development approvals, thereby stimulating housing supply. Such policies typically involve the imposition of penalties to incentivize builders to expedite construction projects. Broadly categorized into two main types, UILI policies entail either the forfeiture of development entitlements or the imposition of financial penalties.
Advocates of UILI policies argue that they effectively deter 'land banking' practices among homebuilders, wherein developers hold onto land without initiating construction. However, quantifying the precise impact of land banking remains challenging. It's crucial to recognize that land banking serves as a vital risk mitigation strategy for homebuilders, ensuring business continuity amid uncertain planning conditions. Premature implementation of UILI policies, without first instituting substantive planning reforms, risks the expiration of development approvals, thereby impeding future growth recovery efforts.
To ensure the efficacy and fairness of UILI policies, several best practices are recommended. These include mandating municipalities to conduct comprehensive background studies, providing statutory exemptions for specific scenarios, considering additional conditions for implementation, outlining clear appeal processes, and delineating explicit notice requirements for stakeholders. There are instances where development can proceed but due to infrastructure limitations and allocations being tied up elsewhere, they are unable to move forward. Should the province feel the need to implement a UILI policy, then it should focus its efforts on this aspect of development, however, keeping the scope as narrow as possible to avoid negative outcomes.
While UILI policies can potentially accelerate housing development, it's essential to recognize their limitations and potential drawbacks. Such policies cannot alter the broader economic factors that influence the pace of home construction. Implementing UILI policies without due consideration may risk destabilizing property valuations, increasing costs for homebuyers, and exacerbating economic uncertainty. To maximize the effectiveness of housing policy initiatives, a holistic approach is required, encompassing substantive planning reforms, simplification of zoning regulations, and investment in innovative construction techniques. By addressing these underlying structural challenges, policymakers can foster a more sustainable and resilient housing market conducive to long-term growth and affordability.
To read the full report, please click here
Brown & Beattie Ltd. has provided 25 years of exceptional service . We are a Building Science Structural and Forensic engineering firm with a diverse range of professional engineering services. We have extensive experience in condition assessments, investigations, repair and improvement of building systems and structures, construction review, contract administration, capital planning and more. Visit our Website www.brownbeattie.com
100 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M2N 6Z1
Attn: Guy-Anne Duval
T: 613-748-2000
F: 416-250-3204
gduval@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Attn: Don Neufeld
C: 403-815-8672
301 Matheson Boulevard West
Mississauga, ON L5R 3G3
F: 905-755-8885
dneufeld@coinamatic.com
18 York Street, Suite Toronto, ON M5J 2T8
34 Leading Road, Unit Etobicoke, ON M9V
366 Westpark Crescent
Attn: Jon Mesquita
T: 226-751-3790
8200 Keele Street
TWaterloo, ON N2T 3A2
his January, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released its annual Rental Market Report for large population centres across Canada. Notably, the national vacancy rate for Canada’s primary rental market reached a new low of 1.5 per cent in 2023, the lowest recorded rate since 1988, when CMHC began recording a national vacancy rate.
202 - 225 Pinebush Road
Cambridge, ON N1T 1B9
In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), surging rental demand has continued to outpace supply, despite a recent boost in rental construction. This led to a tighter rental market with lower vacancy rates, higher rents, and less tenant turnover. Strong rental demand growth was driven by the following factors:
550 Alden Road Unit 110
Markham, ON L3R 6A8
• The GTA receives more newcomers to Canada than any other area, and these individuals typically rent. According to Statistics Canada, net international migration to the
jon@diversoenergy.com
country increased by a record 72.9 per cent in the year ending June 30, 2023.
• Strong employment growth for key rental demographics, specifically those aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 44 (up 5.6 per cent and 2.6 per cent year-over-year in October 2023, respectively, according to Statistics Canada).
Attn: Lauri Alty
T: 519-624-9965
• High home prices and mortgage rates continue to reduce mobility between renting and home ownership, evidenced by lower rental turnovers and home sales throughout the year.
two decades (+1.0 per cent and +1.4 per cent over 2004 – 2013 and 1994 – 2003, respectively). Low vacancy rates, a fast-rising population, and government financing programs have incentivized developers in recent years. However, the current economic climate has posed significant challenges to rental construction through labour shortages and higher borrowing and material costs.
Concord, ON L4K 2A5
lalty@efficiencyengineering.com
500 Consumers Road North York, ON M2J
Attn: David Morris
Over the last decade (2014 to 2023), the GTA’s stock of purpose-built rental apartment units saw notable expansion (over 5.8 per cent) owing to elevated new construction activity. This marked a resurgence following negligible growth in the preceding
T: 905-470-7723
davidmorris@firetronics.ca
While the recent revival of rental construction has been encouraging, it remains evident that further increases to supply are required to tame accelerating rent growth in the region (see Figure 1). The average rent of a two-bedroom purpose-built apartment in structures common to the 2022 and 2023 surveys grew by 8.7 per cent. This was the largest increase since 2000 and was the result of stiff competition for fewer vacant units.
100 University Avenue North Tower, Suite 700
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Kingsgate Restoration is strongly committed to excellence in client care and satisfaction. With over two decades of experience, we pride ourselves on adhering to the highest standards where best practices are the foundation to our success. With the utmost commitment, we envision, assess, plan, and execute a variety of construction and restoration services.
GARAGE REHABILITATION
BUILDING ENVELOPE REPAIRS
BALCONY REHABILITATION & RAILINGS REPLACEMENT
PARKING STRUCTURE REHABILITATION
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Given the region’s high rent levels (second only to Vancouver), market intelligence indicated that prospective renters intensified their search for less expensive units. This was confirmed by the data. Bachelor units, which had the lowest average rents ($1,411), recorded the largest vacancy rate decline among the different bedroom types (2.6 per cent in 2022 to 1.7 per cent in 2023). However, renting even the least expensive units would have been a challenge for those with lower incomes. This is because rent growth (which has been broad-based) has outpaced wage growth in recent years. For instance, a full-time minimum wage earner would have had to allocate just over 50 per cent of their income to rent the average bachelor unit in 2023, a share that has been steadily rising.
On average, rents for two-bedroom units that turned over to a new tenant were 31.2 per cent higher than those that did not see a change in tenant. This is because, at turnover, rents can be brought up to a level consistent with current market conditions. Meanwhile, due
to rent control, rents on most nonturnover units can only be raised up to the percentage indicated by the Ontario guideline (2.5 per cent in 2023). The prospect of having to pay much higher rents if they change apartments likely contributed to more renters staying in their units. It’s also a challenge for those who may need to move because of changing life circumstances, such as a growing family or job relocation.
Unlocking $20 billion in low-cost
The CMHC provides low-cost financing for builders to build new rental housing by providing mortgage loan insurance and securitization.
To address the shortage of rental housing, CMHC is increasing access to low-cost financing for builders. Currently, builders face challenges in accessing the necessary financing to make rental projects financially viable, leading to a slow pace of construction for much-needed rental units. To remedy this, the government announced an increase of CMHC’s annual limit of support by $20 billion per year, which is designated for funding mortgages on multi-unit rental projects insured by CMHC. By unlocking this additional financing, the initiative aims to facilitate the construction of up
to 30,000 more rental apartments annually. Ultimately, this measure seeks to bridge the gap between the demand for rental housing and the availability of affordable financing to spur much-needed development in the rental housing sector.
Speeding up financing approvals to build more homes, faster
In 2023, CMHC faced an unprecedented volume of applications for multi-unit mortgage loan insurance. Recognizing this, CMHC has committed to expediting its approval processes. Significant progress has already been made, with the processing rate doubled by the end of 2023. To further streamline operations, CMHC plans to simplify requirements and application procedures while prioritizing shovel-ready projects and applications from trusted partners. This initiative reflects the agency's dedication to supporting the availability and diversity of financing options for rental housing. By ensuring simpler and quicker access to federal funding, CMHC aims to address the critical need for housing development efficiently and effectively.
Be first in line to receive the latest housing research, funding opportunities, and more by signing up for CMHC’s Housing Updates
R e d u c e N a t u r a l G a s
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Recognized as a best practice in Living Green Environmental Management Standards Manual.
Reducing energy consumption reduces future operating costs. Novitherm TM Heat Reflectors are a simple and effective product which reduces gas consumption and has a direct positive impact improving your tenants' comfort.
Find out how Novitherm TM Heat Reflectors can benefit you with a FREE building assessment
Working with residents to promote and ensure more sustainable apartment communities is an important and integral component of the CRBP and its associated Living GREEN TogetherTM Certification.
In honour of Earth Day 2024, the CRBP and its members are challenging FRPO’s broader membership to join with them in engaging with their residents and encouraging them to commit to small actions that can promote more sustainable apartment living.
CRBP and other FRPO members are encouraged to
Reporting water leaks is a simple measure residents can pledge to take to reduce their water footprint.
This small action if undertaken by many can make a difference.
One faucet dripping at 1 drop per second or 60 drips per minute wastes 33 litres of water in a day. This translates to 11,936 litres of water per year or about 70 bathtubs of water wasted. That’s how much just one tap dripping at 1 drop per second wastes.
If just 200 residents across your portfolio of buildings pledge to report faucet leaks and you fix those leaks, then at 1 drop per second, that translates to a water saving of 6,540 litres per day, or 2,387,275 litres of water annually. That is equivalent to over 14,040 bathtubs of water saving in a year or enough water to fill an Olympic pool threequarters full.
seek resident participation in reduction measures through environmental pledges that identify simple energy, water savings and waste reduction and recycling measures residents are willing to take to reduce their own environmental footprint. The CRBP Living Green Together Environmental Challenge recognizes that small actions by many residents can in fact add up and make a significant environmental difference.
For example, we know that water is a finite and increasingly expensive resource. Reducing water consumption is not only environmentally responsible, but cost-effective.
Reducing your shower time by one minute is a simple measure residents can pledge to take to reduce their water footprint.
This small action if undertaken by many can make a difference.
One person reducing their shower time by 1 minute produces 3,467 litres of water saving per year.
If just 10,000 residents across FRPO’s members’ portfolio of buildings implement a pledge to reduce their shower time by 1 minute, then a water savings of 34,670,000 litres of water per year can be accrued.
That is equivalent to over 14,040 bathtubs of water saving in a year or enough water to fill well over 38 Olympic pools.
My Actions Matter – I can make a difference
I’m helping to protect our planet
I pledge to help conserve our energy resources by:
☐ Making sure I turn off the lights when I leave the room
☐ Unplugging device chargers when not in use
My Actions Matter – I can make a difference
☐ Changing to energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures
☐ Using a power bar to help reduce phantom or standby power
My Actions Matter – I can make a difference
☐ Looking for and purchasing Energy Star certified products like telephones, DVD, Computers and TV’s next time I buy one
My Actions Matter – I can make a difference
I’m helping to protect our planet
I’m helping to protect our planet
I pledge to help conserve our finite water resources by:
☐ Immediately reporting faucet, shower or toilet drips and leaks
I pledge to help conserve our energy resources by:
☐ Making sure I turn off the lights when I leave the room
I pledge to help conserve our energy resources by:
☐ Decreasing my shower time by two minutes
☐ Turning off the faucet while washing my hands or face, brushing my teeth, and shaving
☐ Turning off taps tightly to avoid drips
☐ Unplugging device chargers when not in use
I pledge to help conserve our energy resources by:
☐ Changing to energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures
☐ Making sure I turn off the lights when I leave the room
☐ Not running the tap continuously while washing dishes or produce
☐ Using a power bar to help reduce phantom or standby power
☐ Making sure I turn off the lights when I leave the room
☐ Looking for and purchasing Energy Star certified products like telephones, DVD, Computers and TV’s next time I buy one
☐ Unplugging device charge rs when not in use
☐ Keeping a chilled pitcher of water in the fridge
☐ Unplugging device charge rs when not in use
☐ Changing to energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures
I pledge to lead by example and to reduce my waste footprint by:
I pledge to help conserve our finite water resources by:
☐ Changing to energy efficient light bulbs and fixtures
☐ Immediately reporting faucet, shower or toilet drips and leaks
☐ Using a power bar to help reduce phantom or standby power
☐ Recycling my metal, aluminum, glass, plastic, paper & cardboard
☐ Decreasing my shower time by two minutes
☐ Using a power bar to help reduce phantom or standby power
☐ Using the green bin for disposing of my food scraps and organic waste
☐ Looking for and purchasing Energy Star certified products like telephones, DVD, Computers and TV’s next time I buy one
☐ Turning off the faucet while washing my hands or face, brushing my teeth, and shaving
☐ Turning off taps tightly to avoid drips
☐ Recycling my electronic waste
☐ Looking for and purchasing Energy Star certified products like telephones, DVD, Computers and TV’s next time I buy one
☐ Safely disposing of harmful household products
☐ Preparing reusable shopping bags, bottles, and mugs
☐ Preparing waste-free lunches
☐ Not running the tap continuously while washing dishes or produce
☐ Keeping a chilled pitcher of water in the fridge
I pledge to help conserve our finite water resources by:
☐ Taking actions to reduce food waste
I pledge to help conserve our finite water resources by:
☐ Donating my clothing and textiles I no longer need or wear
☐ Immediately reporting faucet, shower or toilet drips and leaks
☐ Immediately reporting faucet, shower or toilet drips and leaks
☐ Decreasing my shower time by two minutes
☐ Decreasing my shower time by two minutes
☐ Turning off the faucet while washing my hands or face, brushing my teeth, and shaving
☐ Turning off the faucet while washing my hands or face, brushing my teeth, and shaving
☐ Turning off taps tightly to avoid drips
☐ Turning off taps tightly to avoid drips
☐ Not running the tap continuously while washing dishes or produce
or at your building office starts on April 1, 2024 and continues until April 22, 2024.
☐ Not running the tap continuously while washing dishes or produce
☐
Keeping a chilled pitcher of water in the fridge
☐
Keeping a chilled pitcher of water in the fridge
Use social media, your resident portal, notices at your building site, or whatever means you can to inform residents about the challenge and to get their commitment to completing and submitting a pledge card. It’s vital that they identify the building they live at so that their pledge can be counted in the challenge tally.
An information sheet on the challenge and social media posting are available for download at: crbprogram.org
The challenge to involve your residents and to get them to complete and submit their pledge card either online
Beyond bragging rights, and recognition in the next edition of FE Magazine, the building that has garnered the most resident pledges will have a donation made by the Canadian Certified Rental Building Program in the building’s and its residents’ names. A donation will be made to Trees Canada for the planting of trees that promote a healthier and greener tomorrow and address climate change.
A coffee and doughnut thank you will also be arranged at the “winning” building as a thank you to all residents for their ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
Canadians lost a total of $567 million due to fraud in 2023, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This was an increase of $37 million from 2022 and a massive increase of $187 million since 2021. The worrying part about these numbers is that the CAFC claims that just a small portion of fraudulent activities ever get reported—only between 5 and 10 per cent. The three most common types of fraud were identity fraud, service fraud, and phishing.
The multi-family rental industry faces a growing challenge: fraudsters are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to create fraudulent documents. This makes it more difficult than ever to detect false applications and identify legitimate tenants, potentially resulting in unpaid rent and bad debt for multifamily owners.
An increase in fraud is an important reason to make sure that your marketing efforts are targeting the largest number of genuine prospective tenants. Is your audience effectively reached through online listing platforms? Marketing websites? Social media? Or are they more successfully captivated at point-of-sale (e.g., building signage)? The answer is a balance of all the above. These are all mediums that should not be overlooked.
In a 2023 survey conducted by simplydbs with over 20,000 respondents, it was revealed that 80 per cent of multi-
family tenants were actively looking for their next rental online. However, attracting and converting ideal tenants has become more challenging due to the increasing expectation of same-day responses from nearly half of these prospective renters. This trend coincides with rising costs, prompting operating and marketing budgets to be scrutinized and squeezed.
Every property owner and manager wants to be assured that they have employed the most effective marketing strategies. The most successful tactics are the ones that produce quality leads with high conversion ratios. The million-dollar question (literally) is to determine which strategy is the most cost-effective. If your company makes a large investment in digital marketing, is the volume of leads being generated yielding bona-fide applicants? Are more leads better? Or is it just…more? These are some of the questions that are top of mind among marketing executives.
In this industry, making decisions without data is risky business. Making decisions with old data is almost as bad. Rental housing providers need actionable insights based on real-time data. This is where simplydbs comes in.
simplydbs, powered by Yardi®, has put together a survey designed for Canadian housing providers. Their objective is to discover and share which marketing and leasing strategies the industry has embraced, and which ones are yielding the best results.
Click on the QR code and take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Let us know what your experience is and help inform the entire industry.
About simplydbs: We are a trusted third-party survey and feedback platform for tenants, residents, and users of space. We power CRE decision-makers in their investor relations, ESG, leasing activities, operations of built assets, and developments. simplydbs’ core product, Shape Your Space™, enables a circular process to engage continuously with those in buildings and spaces. It acts as a destination, disrupting the traditional way we gather tenant and resident sentiment and forecast trends. Since inception, simplydbs has celebrated success with national clients in the private, institutional, and public spheres. Custom surveys and Shape Your Space™ feedback solutions are active across multi-family, office, industrial, and retail asset classes.
As the Managing Director of EVSTART, a leading provider of EV charging solutions to the multi-unit residential marketplace in Canada, I understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs).
With the number of EVs on Canadian roads set to grow to 12.4 million by 2035 and up to 80 per cent of EV charging expected to occur at home, access to home charging is one of the most influential factors in the decision to purchase an EV .
I have installed more than 1,000 level 2 chargers in apartments and condominiums across Canada in the last three years. EV charging has become a significant trend that property owners and managers cannot afford to overlook as the demand for EV charging infrastructure in residential buildings continues to grow.
In this article, we'll explore the steps apartment building owners and managers can take when contemplating adding EV chargers to their properties, the benefits of
EV chargers as an amenity, and the potential impact on a building's net operating income (NOI).
Step 1: Assessing Demand and Feasibility
The first step in adding EV chargers to an apartment building is to assess the demand among tenants. Building owners and managers should conduct surveys or engage with residents to gauge their interest in EV ownership and charging facilities.
Once demand has been established, consult with an experienced EV charging provider to help determine the building’s available electrical capacity and the optimal location and configuration for EV chargers on your property.
Step 2: Selecting the Right EV Charging Solution Provider
With demand confirmed and feasibility assessed, the next step is to select the best EV charging solution provider for your building. Look for EV charging providers that offer a comprehensive turnkey solution, including hardware, software, electrical infrastructure
and charger installation, and ongoing site host support. Choose a solution that provides real-time monitoring and billing capabilities.
Step 3: Securing Funding and Incentives
Installing EV chargers represents a significant capital investment for apartment building owners and managers. A turnkey EV charger solution provider should be able to assist with obtaining available federal or provincial grants or rebates to offset up to 50 per cent of the upfront costs of installation.
Step 4: Installation and Implementation
Once funding and incentives are secured, work closely with your chosen EV charging provider to coordinate installation schedules, obtain necessary permits, and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. Following installation, consider hosting informational sessions or providing educational materials to raise awareness about the benefits of EV chargers and encourage adoption among residents.
After installation, establish regular monitoring to ensure the ongoing performance and reliability of your EV charging infrastructure. Implement routine onsite staff inspections to prevent downtime and maximize uptime. Monitoring usage patterns and charging behaviour can help optimize charger usage through pricing strategies and capacity planning.
The Impact of Adding EV Chargers for a Building and its Residents
EV chargers have the potential to:
• Provide residents with convenient access to EV charging facilities without the need to install their own chargers and eliminates the hassle of searching for public charging stations or relying on workplace charging
• Enhance the appeal of the apartment building as a modern and forward-thinking residential
option and can increase tenant satisfaction and loyalty by offering a sought-after amenity that aligns with their lifestyle and values
• Generate additional revenue streams for the property owner and manager through charging usage fees to offset installation and operating costs and potentially lead to a positive impact on the building's net operating income (NOI)
• Support sustainability goals, promote the adoption of electric vehicles, and align with local and provincial government initiatives to promote clean transportation and combat climate change
• Position a building as futureready for anticipated increases in electric vehicle adoption and demand for charging infrastructure
1 https://www.pollutionprobe.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pollution-Probe-.Consumer-EV-charging-Experience.pdf
Adding EV chargers to apartment buildings is not only a smart investment in sustainability and tenant satisfaction but also a strategic opportunity to enhance property value and NOI. As the adoption of EVs continues to rise across Canada, forward-thinking property owners and managers have a unique opportunity to position their buildings as EV-friendly destinations of choice.
By following these steps and embracing the transition to electric mobility, apartment building owners and managers can unlock the full potential of EV charging as an essential amenity and revenuegenerating asset for their properties. Please visit EVStart to schedule a free introductory call with our experienced team.
Embed a tenant insurance quote into your leasing process
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Maximize compliance with ongoing policy tracking
As the snow melts and signs of spring emerge, landlords, property managers, and tenants alike are gearing up for their annual spring maintenance routine. As you welcome the warmer weather, it's essential to ensure that your properties are ready for the seasonal shift. This crucial task ensures not only the longevity of rental properties but also a safe and comfortable living environment for tenants. Whether you're a tenant, property manager or landlord, preparing for the seasonal transition is crucial to safeguarding your property and ensuring a smooth transition into the warmer months. Taking proactive steps to address winter wear and tear can save you headaches down the road. Let’s explore how you can collaborate effectively to navigate spring maintenance with confidence.
In Ontario, landlords, property managers, and tenants each have specific responsibilities for property maintenance and safety. Understanding these responsibilities fosters a harmonious landlord/ property manager-tenant relationship. One significant concern for landlords and property managers is the lack of tenant insurance. Encouraging tenants to obtain insurance protects both their belongings and landlords/ property managers from potential liabilities. Landlords and property managers should educate tenants about insurance importance and provide resources. Collaboration mitigates risks, ensuring a secure living environment.
Tenants may also worry about disruptions during maintenance. Clear communication from landlords/ property managers can alleviate concerns and foster trust. Ontario regulations mandate that landlords and property managers display appropriate signage during maintenance activities. This includes warning signs for wet floors, electrical hazards, or areas under repair. Educating tenants about these requirements ensures compliance and enhances safety awareness.
Landlords/property managers are responsible for:
• Communicating maintenance schedules and precautions to tenants promptly
• Prioritizing safety by adhering to site safety and signage requirements
Tenants are responsible for:
• Respecting safety protocols during maintenance
• Reporting any hazards promptly to landlords/property managers for swift resolution
Ensure that you establish clear timelines and expectations for maintenance tasks. Differentiating between emergencies and routine repairs is crucial. Prioritizing safety during emergencies is paramount. Communicating repair timelines and temporary disruptions helps tenants feel informed and supported.
Spring maintenance in Ontario is a shared responsibility that benefits landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. Winter may have left its mark on your property. The experts at Paul Davis Restoration recommend conducting a thorough inspection to identify any signs of winter damage early on. Keep an eye out for pesky ice dams, sneaky roof leaks, and those dreaded foundation cracks. Addressing these issues now will save you from bigger headaches later. Here’s what we recommend.
Assess winter damage
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the property, checking for signs of winter damage such as ice dams, roof leaks, and foundation cracks.
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls, which could indicate roof or plumbing issues.
• Evaluate the integrity of exterior surfaces, including siding, windows, shingles, chimney, and doors, for any signs of wear or damage.
• Inspect all exterior lights and motion sensors to ensure that they are in working condition.
• Turn on all exterior faucets/hose bibs to confirm that there are no leaks or cracks in the plumbing.
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to allow for proper drainage as the snow melts.
• Ensure downspouts are directed away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling around the property.
• Replace air filters to improve indoor air quality and prevent potential issues during the warmer months.
• Have your air conditioning unit inspected by a professional to ensure it is working correctly and have it ready for summer.
• Remove any lint build-up from dryer exhaust vent to minimize fire hazards.
• Trim overgrown branches and shrubs away from the property to prevent damage from wind and debris.
• Check the grading around the property to ensure proper drainage away from the foundation.
• Inspect and repair or replace damaged or missing insulation and weather stripping around doors and windows to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
At Paul Davis Restoration, we understand Ontario's unique rental landscape. With expertise in property mitigation and a commitment to safety, we bridge gaps between landlords, property managers, and tenants. By addressing concerns and fostering communication, we can help make your spring maintenance process seamless. For more tips, visit our blog on pauldavis.ca or contact your local Paul Davis Restoration office.
As a landlord or property manager, the smooth operation and maintenance of your rental properties is paramount. However, amidst the everyday challenges, one often overlooked aspect is the financial risk posed by uninsured tenants. Say an accidental fire engulfs a unit, or a burst pipe floods multiple floors—without tenant insurance, these incidents can quickly escalate into financial nightmares for both landlords and tenants alike.
Uninsured tenants leave landlords in a precarious position when unforeseen events occur. Whether it's damage to the rental unit itself, neighbouring units or common areas, the financial burden typically falls on the property owner. Repair expenses can quickly spiral out of control, especially when coupled with hefty deductibles associated with commercial business policies.
Moreover, liability concerns loom large. If a visitor suffers an injury within a tenant's unit, they may hold the landlord accountable, leading to costly legal battles. In such cases, ensuring all your tenants have the proper insurance policies will mitigate your financial strain by covering legal expenses related to bodily injury, property damage, and even additional living expenses should their unit become uninhabitable due to a covered expense.
The repercussions of being uninsured can be devastating for tenants as well. A recent study revealed that 51 per cent of residents admitted they would struggle to replace their belongings without insurance. This highlights the vulnerability of tenants who fail to secure adequate coverage.
Here are some real-life examples of how tenant insurance can save you and your tenants in the case of an emergency:
• After an apartment in Ottawa was flooded by a malfunctioning washing machine three floors above, they were paid out over $15,000. Personal belongings were exposed to standing water for several hours while the client was at work, and the restoration and repair for the apartment took over a month.
• In Edmonton, an unattended pot of cooking oil in a neighbouring unit started a fire that evacuated the whole building. An APOLLO client whose sprinkler didn’t go off received a payment of over $14,000 for additional living expenses and contents.
• After thieves entered a condominium complex in Vancouver, APOLLO paid out $8,600 to a client who had valuables stolen from a storage unit.
In delving deeper into the realm of tenant insurance claims, enlightening statistics emerge, shedding light on the prevalent risks faced by landlords and tenants alike:
• Theft dominates: Strikingly, four out of 10 claims are attributed to theft. This underscores the importance of safeguarding personal belongings through comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Fire damage magnitude: Fire claims stand out as particularly concerning, with their average cost being over five times higher than all other claims combined. On average, fire-related incidents incur expenses amounting to $36,000—an alarming figure that underscores the devastating impact of such emergencies.
• Water damage pervasiveness: While fire incidents garner significant attention, the data reveals that water damage poses a more prevalent risk, being four times more likely to occur than fire damage. Despite their frequency, water-related claims are no less significant, with an average cost of $6,000. This highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate water-related risks within rental properties.
These statistics underscore the imperative for both landlords and tenants to prioritize insurance coverage, ensuring protection against a myriad of potential risks and unforeseen circumstances.
In many parts of Canada, landlords are legally obligated to ensure continuous tenant insurance coverage—a requirement that not only safeguards tenants but also protects property investments. However, managing insurance compliance can be a cumbersome task, involving the collection and verification of insurance documents.
This is where APOLLO Insurance steps in to streamline the process. With APOLLO, landlords can automate insurance compliance, whether through providing comprehensive insurance or allowing tenants to upload documents from third-party insurers. This helps REITs and property managers relieve the administrative burden associated with collecting proof of insurance—through integration with Property Management Software (PMS), APOLLO ensures that all incoming and current tenants are adequately insured.
APOLLO Insurance offers a comprehensive solution to mitigate the financial risks posed by uninsured tenants. All new tenants can be adequately insured by embedding insurance into the leasing process, providing the option to easily purchase from APOLLO or upload a policy. By automatically verifying insurance coverage and tracking policy expiration dates, APOLLO helps landlords maintain compliance effortlessly. In cases where tenants are uninsured at move-in or renewal, APOLLO offers a base policy, ensuring that adequate coverage is always in place.
Furthermore, APOLLO provides landlords with real-time notifications of policy cancellations, enabling proactive management of insurance compliance. By centralizing insurance information and documents within the landlord's PMS, APOLLO facilitates easy access to compliance reporting at various levels—from portfolio-wide assessments, to building level reporting, to individual tenant details.
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6435 Northwest Drive, Mississauga, ON L4V 1K2
70 Carson Street, Etobicoke, ON M8W 4Z6
20 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 1200, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
1 York St Suite 1010 Toronto ON M5J 0B6
350 Creditstone Road, Unit 201, Vaughan, ON L4K 3Z2
8133 Warden Ave, Suite 601, Markham, ON L6G 1B3
2233 Argentia Rd, Suite 100 Mississauga, ON, L5N 2X7
100 Floral Parkway, Toronto, ON M6L 2C5
Flynn Group Of Companies
Attn: Suzanne Mooney
T: (416) 605-0412 suzanne.mooney@ flynncompanies.com
HD Supply Canada Inc.
Attn: Andrea Hullah
T: (416) 677-3082 andrea.hullah@hdsupply.com
Informa Canada
Attn: Sherida Sessa
T: (646) 740-1656 sherida.sessa@informa.com
Kijiji
Attn: Lionel Romain (416) 934-2040 lromain@kijiji.ca
Leading Edge Building Engineers
Attn: Anthony La Torre
T: (289) 404-7333 anthony@lebengineers.com
Metergy Solutions Inc.
Attn: Craig Thornton
T: (416) 649-1900 Craig.Thornton@metergysolutions.com
20 Upjohn Rd, Suite 103 Toronto, ON, M3B 2V9
900 - 1 Concorde Gate, Toronto, ON M3C 4H9
1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801, Toronto, ON M5E 1W7
40 King St. West, Suite 3700, Toronto, ON M5H 3Y2
2001 Albion Road, Unit 22, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6V6
145 Heartlake Road, Brampton, ON L6W 3K3
Norstar Windows And Doors Ltd.
John Vacca
(905) 643-9333 jvacca@norstarwindows.com
Omega Superior Maintenance Inc.
Attn: Alexander Christie
T: (416) 523-3686 alexander@omegamaintenance.ca 7500 Martin Grove, Unit #6, Vaughan, ON L4L 8S9
Paul Davis Restoration Inc.
Attn: Stephanie Carmichael
T: (416) 704-1734 stephanie.carmichael@ pauldavis.com
Precise ParkLink Inc
Attn: Adamo Donatucci
T: (416) 398-4052 adonatucci@precisebi.com
Reliance Home Comfort
Attn: Tina Kalogeropoulos
94 Church Street, St. Catherines, ON L2R 3C8
80 Citizen Court, Unit 11, Markham, ON L6G 1A7
T: (416) 490-5989 tkalogeropoulos@reliancecomfort.com 4-271B
Greater Toronto Apartment Association (GTAA)
Attn: Daryl Chong
T: (416) 385-3435 dchong@gtaaonline.com
The Home Depot
Attn: Michael Lirangi
70 Arthur St Suite 305 Winnipeg MB R3B 1G7
T: (416) 571-8940 michael_lirangi@homedepot.com 5080 Commerce Blvd Unit B1 Mississuaga Ontario L4W 4P2
IRestify Inc.
Attn: Charlotte Gummesson
T: (855) 964-7378 charlotte@irestify.com 5061 Wellington County Rd 32 Guelph, ON N1H 6J4
KingSett Capital
Attn: Steven Gross
T: (416) 577-6320 sgross@kingsettcapital.com
Lincoln Construction Group
Attn: Anthony Taylor T: (416) 771-9483 anthony@lincolnpaving.com
Metro Compactor Service
Attn: Anannya Biswas
T: (416) 743-8484 abiswas@metrocompactor.com
40 Belvia Road Etobicoke, ON M8W 3R3
2001 Sheppard Ave., E., Suite 500, North York, ON M2J 0A1
14 Ronson Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 1B2
NoVi Engineering Ltd.
Attn: Joseph Visconti T: (416) 244-6161 jvisconti@novi-eng.ca
PAC Building Group
Attn: David Petrozza
T: (888) 684-1524
david@pacbuildinggroup.com 201-462 Wellington St., West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3
Places4Students.com
Attn: Laurie Snure
T: (866) 766-0767 laurie@places4students.com 343 Preston Street Unit 220 Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4
Quality Allied Elevator
Attn: Philip Staite
T: (905) 305-0195 pstaite@qaelevator.ca 1520 Trinity Drive, Unit 16 Mississauga, ON L5T 1N9
Gryd
Attn: Josh Glow
T: (866) 343-4793 jglow@gryd.com
ICS Facility Services
Attn: Ron Boyko
T: (905) 624-8668 sales@icsfacilityservices.ca
JTS Mechanical
Attn: Josh Freiburger
T: (519) 635-0022 josh@jtsmechanical.ca
Kingsgate Restoration Inc.
Attn: Yaz Yadegari
T: (416) 917-8464 yaz@kingsgaterestoration. com
Mediaedge Communications
Attn: Kevin Brown
T: (416) 512-8186 kevinb@mediaedge.ca
Metro Jet Wash Corporation
Attn: Brian DeCarli
T: (416) 741-3999
Parity
Attn: Priya Shankar
T: (416) 557-8871
priya.shankar@paritygo.com
Pomerleau
Attn: David Morley
T: (613) 244-4323
david.morley@pomerleau.ca
Registon Building Restoration LTD Attn: Jay Sandhu T: (437) 922-4444 jay@registon.ca 2 Lansing Sq Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
100 Courtland Avenue, Concord, ON L4K 3T6
72 Corstate Ave., Vaughan, ON L4K 4X2
PO Box 418 RPO Steeles W North York ON M3J 0J3
240 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1V6
S.A.B
Sherwin-Williams Co.
Attn: Ben Strong
T: (647) 457-8618 benjamin.p.strong@sherwin.com
474 Iroquois Shore Rd Oakville ON L6H 2Y7
Sparkle SolutIons
Attn: Maria Mascall
T: (905) 660-2282 Maria@SparkleSolutions.ca
Torque
Attn: Ron Buffa
T: (905) 663-3334 rbuffa@torquebuilders.com
Unilux CRFC Corporation
Attn: Rezarta Dine
T: (888) 627-6727 rezarta@uniluxcrfc.com
Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.
Attn: Peter Mills
T: (416) 709-0079 pmills@wysemeter.com
Yuhu Inc.
Attn: Hugh Kolias
T: (416) 992-9038 hughkolias@yuhu.io
ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING SERVICES
• Rental Housing Business (RHB) Magazine
• Warrior Digital
CONSULTING, TRAINING & ASSESSMENTS
• Ignis Building Solutions
• Municipal Property Assessment Corp.
• Performance Solutions Network Corp.
• Taeus Group Inc
ENERGY SERVICES
• Certified Building Systems
• DBS
• ECNG Energy L.P.
• Elexicon Group Inc.
• EVSTART Inc
• InLight LED Solutions
• Metrosphere
• Nerva Energy
• Novitherm Canada Inc.
• Water Matrix Inc
• Watershed Technologies Inc.
ENGINEERING
2235 Sheppard Ave E Suite 1100 Toronto ON M2J 5B5
2300 Yonge St, Suite 1600 North York, ON, M4P 1E4
3390 South Service Rd
Suite 201 Burlington ON L7N 3J5
255 Carrier Drive, 2nd Flr., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5Y8
100 Wilkinson Rd., Units 16-17 Brampton, ON, L6T 4Y9
• ABG Engineering Inc.
• Mann Engineering
• Pretium Engineering Inc
• Sense Engineering Ltd.
• Synergy Partners
• WSP Canada Inc.
• Wynspec Engineering
• Canadian Mortgage Capital Corporation
• Peoples Trust Company
FIRE SAFETY
• Accurate Fire Protection And Security
• Trace Electric INTERIOR BUILDING/ RENOVATIONS
• Absolute Ventilation Inc.
• All Professional Trades Services Inc.
• Altona Renovation Ltd.
• Beautiful Floors & Janitorial
• Ecobc
Sky Contracting Inc.
Attn: Berat Bajrami
T: (905) 820-5500 beratb@skyinc.ca 66 Leek Crescent, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1H1
Stephenson Engineering Limited
Attn: Mohsen Mansouri
T: (416) 635-9970 mohsen.mansouri@ salasobrien.com
Trigrand Inc
Attn: Artur Derraj
T: (416) 712-8517 artur@trigrand.com
Westland MyGroup
Attn: Victoria Thornbury
T: (844) 999-7687 vthornbury@ westlandmygroup.ca
Xcel Construction Limited
Attn: Dave Pusateri
T: (905) 599-2547 dave@xcelconstruction.ca
ZGemi Inc
Attn: Yusuf Yenilmez
T: (905) 454-0111 yusuf@zgemi.com
• Innovate Waste Solutions Corp
• Laumar Design Limited
• Modern Pro Contracting Inc.
• Neutral Contracting Group LEGAL
• Dharsee Professional Corp
• Dickie & Lyman Lawyers LLP
• Levitt Di Lella Duggan & Chaplick LLP
• Sheryl Erenberg & Associates
• Spar Property Paralegal Professional Corporation
• Zarnett Law Professional Corporation
MARKET ANALYSIS & RESEARCH
• Altus Group Ltd.
• Veritas Valuation Inc PAINTING
• Pascoal Painting & Decorating Inc.
• Swift Painters
813 Longpre St Sherbrooke, QC, J1G 5B8
14 Meteor Drive Etobicoke, ON M9W 1A4
179 Henry Bessemer Bois-Des-Filion, QC, J6Z 4S9
5925 Airport Road, Suite 605, Mississauga, ON L4V 1W1
PEST CONTROL
• HomePro Pest Control
• Orkin Canada
• Pest Control Plus Inc.
REAL ESTATE/LEASING PROFESSIONALS
• Bonnie Hoy & Associates
• CB Richard Ellis
• EPIC Investment Services LP
• Gottarent.com
• JDN Property Management
• Rentals.ca
• Skyview Realty Ltd.
• SVN Rock Advisors, Inc.
RETROFIT, RESTORATION & CONSTRUCTION
• Conterra Restoration Ltd.
• First OnSite Property
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Solid General Contractors Inc.
Attn: Safiyyah Alibhai
T: (905) 475-0707 safiyyah@solidgc.ca
Technologie Demtroys Inc.
Attn: Norris Satov
T: (416) 435-0111 nsatov@demtroys.com
TruSeal Injection Inc.
Attn: Tania Stalteri
T: (800) 475-0776 info@trusealinjection.com
Wifiplex
Attn: Jonathan Carriere
T: (888) 777-9778 jcarriere@wifiplex.ca
Yardi Canada Ltd.
Attn: Peter Altobelli
T: (905) 671-0315 peter.altobelli@yardi.com
Canadian CRB Program is the leading quality and sustainability assurance program for rental housing across Canada.
Bring the “CRB-approved” advantage to your residents and prospective renters today!
well-run, well-managed, well-maintained crbprogram.org