If you’re a property owner in Park-Extension, whether your building is bustling with activity or standing vacant, adhering to regulations governing occupation and maintenance is imperative. The primary objective is to safeguard buildings from deterioration and shield them against the unpredictable impacts of weather conditions.
Municipal regulations, encompassing all buildings and their ancillary structures like sheds, garages, car shelters, and storage spaces, have been designed with the goal of elevating the value of Montreal’s architectural landscape while nurturing the quality of our living spaces.
Regulation Update: A New Era for Building Maintenance
In a significant stride toward more effective regulation, the Regulation on the Occupation and Maintenance of Buildings (23-016) was adopted on October 16, 2023. This revision is particularly poignant in addressing issues related to the neglect and vacancy of buildings. Come 2024, owners of vacant buildings face a new obligation—to register their properties with the city. A comprehensive registration form, to be released by the City of Montreal, will require details about the building’s condition, especially if it holds heritage status.
Effective Date and Stages of Implementation
The implementation of the new regulatory provisions unfolds in two stages:
October 2023:
General provisions outlining maintenance standards for all buildings.
Specific standards, such as temperature requirements, targeting vacant buildings.
Increased fines, with potential penalties reaching up to $250,000, particularly stringent for heritage buildings.
2024:
Mandatory registration for all owners of vacant buildings.
Standards and Measures for Building Occupation and Maintenance
The holistic well-being of a building relies on the meticulous upkeep of its various components. The standards include maintaining:
Exterior envelope (e.g., cornice, terrace, balcony, stairs, gutter).
Exterior elements (e.g., roof, exterior wall, foundation wall, mortar joint, sealant joint).
Structural elements (e.g., beam, foundation).
Openings (e.g., door, window, roof access).
Backflow preventer.
Plumbing installations.
Heating installations.
Specific guidelines for vacant buildings, as per Regulation on the Occupation and Maintenance of Buildings (23-016), cover aspects such as barricading periods, materials used for barricading, outdoor lighting for access, and the maintenance of a minimum temperature of 10°C to prevent deterioration.
These standards are crafted to eradicate issues like building decay, adverse impacts on neighborhood quality of life, consequences of prolonged barricading, intrusions into vacant buildings, and unsanitary conditions arising from poorly maintained plumbing.
Registration of Vacant Buildings
Details and the registration form for vacant buildings will be available when the new provision comes into effect. This step is crucial in maintaining transparency and accountability in the realm of building ownership.
Adapting to Regulations
The role of a building owner is pivotal in ensuring compliance with occupation and maintenance regulations. If fulfilling these responsibilities becomes a challenge, it is advisable to appoint a responsible person to act on your behalf and manage the building in your absence.
Maintenance Tips for Building Longevity
To prevent major refurbishment work and extend the life of your building, consider the following tips:
Regular Inspection:
Undertake regular and thorough inspections of all observable components, preferably by a qualified professional.
Protection Against Water and Moisture:
Regardless of building materials, guard against structural degradation by addressing issues such as aging sealant or mortar joints, cleaning roof and gutter drains, and repairing foundation cracks.
Maintaining Vacant Buildings:
Recognize the vulnerability of vacant buildings to accelerated deterioration. Take measures such as barricading damaged openings, regular monitoring, and providing outdoor lighting to mitigate risks of intrusions and vandalism.
