Condominium Authority Tribunal is Getting a Facelift

After operating for less than ten years, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) has announced that it is getting a facelift. It will still have the same three-stage process, but it is getting a new platform and set of practice rules designed to improve the experience for users. The new rules are available on the Condominium Authority of Ontario’s website.

The CAT’s new platform is said to be easier for people to navigate through the various stages of the dispute. It will no longer be necessary to deliver three notices of the proceeding to the responding parties; one notice will now be sufficient. It will apparently be easier to upload and download documents, message the other parties, and determine timelines when parties are in the various stages.

Some of the changes appear designed to have the CAT refuse applications or dismiss them earlier in the process. The CAT’s notice indicated the platform will provide “clearer guidance at the application stage, helping parties submit complete and accurate information for a smoother Tribunal process”. This is a welcome change. Hopefully it will avoid the need for condominiums to bring so many motions to dismiss when improper or incomplete applications are filed by owners.

After a rough few years for condominiums thanks to case law on chargebacks for legal costs incurred to enforce the governing documents, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. Starting on October 1, 2026, the CAT’s new practice rules will come into force. Currently, the CAT’s rules contain a presumption against awarding costs unless there are exceptional circumstances. The new language indicates that the CAT may order a party to pay another party all or part of their costs. Put another way, it seems the presumption is gone. Only time will tell how this change is interpreted by the CAT’s adjudicators.