As many Corporations are racing against the clock to hold their AGMs, the Ontario government has just announced that gathering limits for “unmonitored social gatherings or organized public events” in Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa are being reduced effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2020.
The new limits are as follows:
- 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
- 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
The news release notes that the limit applies to: functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas (units and other areas within residential condos).
What does this mean for condos?
- Hold your AGM virtually!
- There should be no gatherings within the units (or the indoor common elements) of greater than 10 people, or outdoor ones of greater than 25 people.
Remind your residents that they are required to comply with these new limits. Education and communication is key, particularly with the ever-evolving restrictions and the recent uptick in cases being reported out of these areas.
Events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as convention centres and banquet halls, are not impacted. Although we strongly encourage virtual AGMs, if you have already booked a physically-distanced AGM at a convention centre or banquet hall this may not be impacted.
Additional compliance measures are being considered by the government which would impose hefty fines (as high as $10,000) for organizers of these gatherings, amongst other compliance measures.