At the next townhall, be prepared. The lawyers will try to intimidate you. They’ll throw complicated jargon at you, twist legal language, and insist they’re the ultimate authority in the room.
They’ll tell you I’m wrong.
But remember:
- They said I was wrong when they dragged me to the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) – and I won – with no lawyers.
- They said I was wrong when they filed an appeal – and they lost again.
- They said I was wrong when I demanded transparency – but court after court has confirmed otherwise.
This is a pattern: when they can’t defend their actions, they try to silence you.
Your Right to Ask Questions âś…
Under the Ontario Condominium Act, 1998, owners have the right to:
- Receive accurate information about the corporation’s finances, projects, and operations
- Inspect records under s. 55
- Ask questions at meetings without interference or intimidation
Lawyers cannot override your rights as an owner. They are there by invitation of the board, and they work for the board, not for you.
Common Tactics Used to Shut Down Owners ⚠️
Be prepared – we’ve seen these strategies before:
- Deflecting questions → “That’s a legal matter; we can’t discuss it.”
- Overcomplicating answers → Using legal jargon to confuse owners.
- Threatening tone → Making owners feel they shouldn’t ask “sensitive” questions.
- Rushing through the agenda → Limiting the time for owner input.
Remember: none of these tactics remove your legal right to ask questions or demand clarity.
How to Handle Lawyers at the Townhall 🛡️
- Stay calm and confident → They expect hesitation; don’t give it to them.
- Ask direct, factual questions → Example: “The boiler replacement cost ~$598,888. Why weren’t owners notified or given a vote under s.97(4)?”
- Insist on answers → If they avoid your question, restate it.
- Reference the law → Citing sections of the Condominium Act strengthens your position.
- Document everything → Take notes or record questions (where permitted).
Key Facts to Bring With You đź“Ś
Here are examples of projects where owners should have been consulted:
- Garage staircase repairs → $178,000 → Exceeds the $172,315 threshold ✅
- Boiler replacement → ~$598,888 → Over 3x the threshold ✅
- Window replacement → ~$3M → Nearly double the entire 2025 budget ✅
- Appeal launched without notice → High-cost litigation, no owner consultation ✅
Under s. 97(4) of the Condominium Act, these qualify as significant changes or major commitments.
Owners were entitled to notice and, in some cases, a vote.
The Bottom Line đź’ˇ
Lawyers are not there to silence you – unless you let them.
You are a legal owner, not a guest.
You have the right to:
- Ask questions about your money and property
- Expect clear, accurate answers
- Hold the board accountable
If your question is dismissed or avoided, don’t back down.
Your voice – and your rights – matter.
đź“° For more resources, rulings, and real examples, visit CondoTribune.com.
đź“Ł Because knowing your rights is the first step to enforcing them.
👉 If you believe your rights have been violated, contact us confidentially through the Condo Leak Tipline at www.CondoTribune.com/tipline – your story matters, and you’re not alone.
đź“ť While we are not lawyers, we’ve spent years learning the Condominium Act, tribunal process, and case law – and we’re here to help point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.
