About COA
FAST GROWING CONDO OWNERS ASSOCIATION - COA ONTARIOIn 2009, the Trinity Spadina Condo Owners Association was created by Trinity Spadina Local MPP Rosario Marchese who saw the need for an Association in his riding to address the shortfalls of the Condo Act and advocate change by creating a strong and persuasive political voice to all levels of Government. Linda Pinizzotto, 31 year Veteran Realtor and President of 2 Board of Directors, Tridel Condos The Icon and Element was elected President. Shortly after the name was changed to Condo Owners Association Trinity-Spadina and under her vision and guidance and with the support of the present Board of Directors, the infrastructure of the Association started to take shape. Rosario Marchese became an active Ad Hoc member along with Local MP Olivia Chow and Councillor Adam Vaughan. The dedicated support and enthusiasm of our local political representatives gave added strength to our Association.
As more negative issues surfaced directly impacting Condo Owners and Corporations, the imbalance of the present structure had to be addressed. “It became evident to me that we needed a strong Ontario based Association so Condo Owners are represented Province-wide” says Linda Pinizzotto, Founder, President and Chair of Condo Owners Association (COA Ontario and COA Toronto). I redesigned the COA infrastructure to prepare for viable growth considering the overwhelming increase in Condo ownership by recognizing the strength of Condo Owners in the Province of Ontario and the present breakdown of our government systems. Condo Owners Association Ontario is a registered non-profit volunteer organization with the Ontario Government and is at the helm of the Association. The Association is comprised of City Chapters across the Province; example the Toronto Chapter. Each of these Chapters includes Local Chapters that are parallel to the Political Provincial Ridings in that Municipality. This structure will allow the Local Chapter to have the support of their local Counsellor, MPP and MP for each of these Ridings. “Our main headquarters is the Local Chapter Trinity Spadina” says Pinizzotto, it is the original birthplace of COA and the beginning of tradition and support. Rosario Marchese, Olivia Chow and Adam Vaughan provide us with their continued support as Ad Hoc Committee Members of COA Ontario as well. What if Condo Owners had a presence in the decision making process of our local Government? What if Condo Owners unite and have an association which they can trust and depend upon. Condominium living is a much simpler lifestyle than freehold ownership. Condo Owners pay their monthly maintenance fees and the worries of maintenance and upkeep are left in the hands of their elected Board of Directors and Property Management entities but what about looking at the bigger picture?. How are all of these hundreds and thousands of Condo Owners being properly represented through the Provincial Condo Act? What about Tarion Warranty coverage and issues like the HST, Clean Trains, Waterfront Toronto and local development and redevelopment effects on your condo building and neighbourhood?. We need strong Local Chapters to join our Toronto Chapter which includes GTA says . COA Director Bob Coffey. “There is strength in numbers and time is of the essence. COA will get results from what it inspects like the Act and Tarion where changes are required for the protection of all condominium owners” www.COAOntario.com was launched and the COA web provider ITMayday.com is reporting a steady increase in traffic and activity. Derrick Thomas, CEO of ITMayday says the website has extended capabilities for maximum coverage for all Chapters across Ontario, newsfeeds, registration features and steady updates for Condo Owners. It is a way to facilitate the exchange of information. You can also find easy reference to City related activities and special discounts and savings programs for members will be launched shortly. The COA mission statement identifies the needs. “To provide a cohesive united voice to represent and protect condominium owners and to be a leader in representing and serving the interests of Condo Owners by supporting the development of its members, fostering a prosperous and sustainable economic environment and contributing to the quality of life in our community” “We are thrilled with the support and growth of COA” says Gregg Gibb, Communications Director. Condo Corporations are joining our Association on behalf of their Owners at only $1.00 per unit owner per Corporation because they are recognizing that the minimal cost to join offers so many benefits. There are very fast changing times and Condo living is the fastest growing community for home ownership. What will happen if home energy audits do become a mandatory part of a condo unit to include the Condo Building on an Ontario residential real estate transaction? The Green Energy Act, 2009 is not mandatory yet but please remember that the HST was approved and passed before we all realized the highly negative and costly impact and increases it has on your Condo maintenance fees. Your Condominium Corporation can join their local Condo Owners Association District and Chapterand become a member of the Condo Owners AssociationToronto Chapter (COAToronto)www.COAToronto.comOntario (COAOntario)www.COAOntario.com
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By late 2009, the reality of the impending HST became a huge impact on the Condo World and their operating budgets. Waterfront Toronto were introducing major changes, City garbage pickups showed higher increases, Condos now registering were getting swamped with warranty issues and Owners were feeling exhausted with increased maintenance fees and further cost considerations for energy retrofitting and topping up of their building reserve funds. Rosario introduction of Bill 186 Condo Owners Protection Act to change the Condo Act was gaining ground, popularity and support. While Rosario represents his Riding Trinity Spadina, his Bill needs to be supported by all Condo Owners throughout Ontario. 
