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Change Happens: What Section 97 means for your Condo

November 18, 2025

WEBINAR — 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET

Change is inevitable in every condominium community — whether it’s updating amenities, improving building systems, or enhancing common areas. But not all changes are created equal, and understanding when owner involvement or approval is required is essential for every Board and Manager.

Join us for this one-hour session as our expert panel breaks down Section 97 of the Condominium Act, explaining the difference between repairs, maintenance, and changes, and when a change becomes a substantial change requiring owner notice or approval. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, we’ll clarify the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your condominium remains compliant while moving forward with improvements.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand what qualifies as a change under Section 97
• Distinguish between ordinary maintenance, repair, and substantial change
• Learn the proper notice and approval requirements
• Hear best practices to minimize disputes and delays

Whether you’re a Condominium Manager, Board Director, or Owner, this session will help you navigate change with confidence and compliance.

 

When you log into the Zoom session, please ensure that both your first and last name appear exactly as registered. We are tracking attendance for CPE credits.

CondoTalk Panel

Moderator: 
Maria Durdan, BA (Hons), LL.B., ACCI

Partner, SimpsonWigle LAW LLP

Maria specializes in condominium law, development and administration. Maria supports over 650 of the firm’s residential and commercial condominium clients throughout Ontario. Maria has also obtained her Associate of Canadian Condominium Institute (ACCI) designation in law, which recognizes that she has achieved a high level of knowledge and skill of condominium law. Maria is the President of the Canadian Condominium Institute – Golden Horseshoe Chapter and the Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Hamilton Law Association Real Estate Subcommittee. Maria’s practice includes advising boards of directors, property managers and developers on all areas of condominium law.

 

Speaker: Richard Elia, B.Comm., LL.B., LL.M. (ADR), A.C.C.I.

Elia Associates

Richard Elia had been actively involved in the area of condominium law for over 20 years, advancing the objective of effective and ethical advocacy. Founded in 2001, Elia Associates provides legal services to condominium communities throughout Ontario.

Richard holds a Master of Law with a focus on Appropriate Dispute Resolution and the “A.C.C.I.” - Associate of the Canadian Condominium Institute - designation, which is the country’s only condo-specific designation for condominium professionals. This designation evidences Richard’s extensive condominium knowledge. 

 

Speaker: Matthew Atkin, CPM, RCM, CMOC, ARM

Regional Manager, Senior Property Manager, GSA Property Management

Matthew has been involved in the management of condominiums and rental buildings on a full-time basis since 1998. He is a member of the Association of Condominium Managers, Canadian Condominium Institute, Real Estate Institute of Canada and the Better Business Bureau. He has lectured on such topics as reserve fund studies, future funding programs and investments plans. After five years with our company and successfully managing a large portfolio of properties, he was appointed to the position of Vice President. Matthew brings to our company a strong working knowledge in condominium management and has prepared various training and resource manuals, including effective operational and control procedures.

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Thank you to Our Sponsors

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