As times change, rules governing housing are often altered to address new needs and technologies. In Ontario, the changes to the Condo Act are being considered in hopes of encouraging more people to adopt electric vehicles. The province has released five proposed changes to the current condominium law, and it is considering implementing at least one of the changes.

Under current condominium law standards in Ontario, electric car drivers face challenges with installing electric vehicle chargers in their buildings. They also can be stopped by condo boards from using plugs currently located in parking garages and lots. Lawmakers have made several suggestions to improve this situation as part of the electric and hydrogen vehicle sales target in Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan

One suggestion is to require condo boards to approve the installation of an electric vehicle charging station, provided that it meets current conditions. However, there are questions about the challenges people may have meeting the conditions, which include an electrical capacity audit and a structural integrity assessment funded by the person requesting the station. Alternatives to this include giving people the right to install charging stations without a condo board’s permission.

Access to existing charging stations is also being addressed, as currently 80 to 90 percent of condo owners in a building need to provide written consent for someone to use such stations. Issues relating to electric cars and condominium law are challenging for lawmakers, condo boards and prospective drivers alike. Those with questions or legal concerns related to current or forthcoming legislation should contact an Ontario lawyer.

Source: Financial Post, “Ontario mulling changes to Condo Act in the hopes of increasing electric vehicle adoption“, Alicja Siekierska, Dec. 8, 2017