Expert insights on modern community management in Ontario: Trends, tips, and more

Ontario’s condominium landscape is evolving at pace. Boards are balancing rising operating costs, new condominium management technology, and changing governance rules—all while raising the bar on resident experience in high-rise, mid-rise, and townhome communities across the GTA.

Today’s boards also face growing expectations for sustainability, digital convenience, and proactive risk management. FirstService Residential brings a local service structure backed by depth of resources, advanced technology, and industry-leading expertise to help communities meet these demands confidently and consistently.
 

Ontario condominium management trends, technology, and local service strategies: An interview with Mark D. Hopkins

What experiences shape your approach to managing residential condos in Ontario?

"I’ve spent 12 years in condominium management—12 years with FirstService Residential—and now lead our Ontario market. I grew up north of Toronto and later lived with my wife in a 500 sq. ft. downtown condo. Experiencing high-rise living firsthand gave me practical perspective on condominium operations and the resident experience. I also served on the inaugural CAI Canada Board from 2017 through 2024, including as President."

Mark D. Hopkins, president, FirstService Residential Ontario

What differentiates FirstService Residential from smaller competitors?

"FirstService Residential is Canadian founded and locally based, with offices in Mississauga and North York and 24/7 support. Our model pairs neighbourhood-rooted condominium managers with specialized teams in banking, finance, risk management, insurance, security, cleaning, so boards get personalized service plus the depth of an industry leader. We also provide industry-leading technology platforms, proactive communication tools, and comprehensive training programs that empower managers and boards to deliver exceptional resident experiences and long-term value."

Learn more about how we combine local expertise and global resources to deliver the best Ontario property management services on our page here.
 

What recent regulations are most relevant for Ontario boards?

"Updates effective October 1, 2023 (Bill 91) permanently enable virtual and hybrid board and owner meetings without requiring bylaw changes, authorize electronic voting and notice delivery, and permit email communication where a valid address is on record. These amendments simplify governance workflows and enhance accessibility. Additionally, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) continues to improve tribunal processes, educational resources, and dispute-resolution tools. Larger firms such as FirstService can rapidly deploy SOPs, digital platforms, and communication protocols, ensuring all corporations remain compliant, efficient, and well-supported."

Read our article 'A guide to condo rules and regulations' for more insights into local legislation and compliance.
 

Where does property management technology make the biggest impact on resident experience?

"Condominium management technology should simplify life. Tools like HODA®—our Homeowner Digital Assistant—and our 24/7 Customer Care line help residents book amenities, submit service requests, and access statements, while reducing routine workload for condominium managers. HODA® is fully integrated with FirstService Residential Connect™, delivering instant, multilingual, real-time responses to inquiries such as account balances, community rules, and amenity reservations, boosting responsiveness and satisfaction."

How are boards addressing insurance costs and long-range budgeting?

"Data matters. FirstService’s BENCHMARK reports analyze high-rise operating costs across North America, giving boards industry benchmarks to make informed decisions on insurance, reserves, and sustainability. Scale and comparables help budgets reflect real market conditions while supporting proactive planning for future capital projects and financial stability."

Download our high-rise BENCHMARK report here to learn more.
 

What operational challenges do Ontario boards face today?

"Skyrocketing insurance premiums, implementing new technology (parcel automation, EV charging) and a shortage of qualified condominium managers. Anxiety about an ageing manager population makes robust training, SOPs and support systems essential, areas where FirstService’s scale provides stability."

How do FirstService Financial and integrated services benefit boards?

"FirstService Financial delivers specialized lending, insurance, and cash management solutions through timely financial reporting, zero-based budgeting models, and an automated invoice system via PayScan. Boards gain transparency with 24/7 access to invoices, faster approvals, and accurate account tracking. Meanwhile, our integrated front desk and cleaning services ensure a unified, accountable property operations team—critical for delivering consistently high-quality service in luxury and complex properties."

Visit FirstService Financial to learn more.
 

What future focus should Ontario communities prioritise?

"Communities should embrace digital innovation that enhances experiences for residents, boards, and managers. Technologies like FirstService Residential Connect™ improve communication, while HODA® enables instant multilingual service. Boards are also investing in EV charging, parcel automation, and energy efficiency for sustainability. Leveraging local expertise alongside benchmark reports, protocols, and digital tools ensures Ontario communities modernize while preserving high standards and resident satisfaction."

Local property management services across Ontario’s diverse neighbourhoods

We’re proud to support communities in Toronto and the GTA, Mississauga, Hamilton, Waterloo, Oakville, Etobicoke, Downtown Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Newmarket, and Aurora. Each area presents distinct needs: Downtown Toronto, Etobicoke, and Mississauga feature luxury condos and extensive high-rise living with concierge and 24/7 support; Oakville, Aurora, and Newmarket offer family-oriented townhomes and midrise buildings with a strong focus on community engagement; Waterloo’s tech-adjacent developments favour condominium management technology and amenity booking tools; and Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Pickering, Ajax, and Hamilton include townhomes and high-rises requiring tailored vendor networks and strong condominium operations.

Our local service structure equips condominium managers with municipal know-how, while our depth of resources delivers industry benchmarks, advanced technology, and specialist teams for legal, financial, and operational excellence.
 

Why scale plus local matters under Ontario’s Condo Act

Permanent changes under Bill 91 modernize digital governance, and CAO tools and tribunal processes continue to shape dispute resolution. A larger partner can centralize templates, training, and platforms—so meeting notices, electronic voting, and records retention happen consistently and compliantly across communities. That reduces risk and accelerates board decision-making, while ensuring alignment with CAO best practices and leveraging enterprise technology for transparency, efficiency, and improved resident engagement across Ontario’s condominium corporations.

Learn more about Ontario's Condo Act in our article here.
 

See what boards are saying about FirstService

"The team keeps our board informed and responds promptly—quality condominium operations and communication."

A.T., President, YRSCC 1144 (York Region)

"Professional, proactive, and community minded; our residents notice the difference."

D.E., President, MTCC 1404 (Toronto)

"Exceptional service and strong financial guidance—our board feels supported and confident in every decision."

L.M., Director, PSCC 1023 (Peel Region)

Closing thought from Mark D. Hopkins

"At FirstService Residential, our mission is to deliver exceptional condo management that elevates resident experience and protects long term value. Ontario communities thrive when industry experts combine local service structure with enterprise grade tools and support. We’re here to simplify life for boards, residents and condominium managers—24/7."

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your Ontario property.