Earlier today, the Government of Ontario announced that 27 public health regions will transition out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the “Framework”) on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

The four remaining public health regions, Toronto Public Health, Peel Public Health, York Region Public Health and North Bay Parry Sound District, will remain in the shutdown and the Stay-at-Home order. They are anticipated to transition into the Framework on Monday, February 22, 2021.

Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area on the OREA COVID-19 Information Hub.

Even with the Stay-at-Home order ceasing to apply in some regions as of Tuesday, February 16, everyone is strongly advised to continue to stay at home, avoid social gatherings, minimize travel between areas with different rules, and limit close contacts to their household.

How Does This Impact Real Estate?

If your public health unit region is in the levels Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect and Orange-Restrict, open houses are permitted. While the option to host an open house is available to you, REALTORS® should continue to use digital and virtual technology first and to the greatest extent possible.

For regions that are under Stay-at-Home order, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown, open houses are not permitted. Scheduled in-person showings are permitted, provided they follow all health and safety guidelines.

For guidance on Safe Open House Practices and Safe In-Person Showings Protocol, go to the OREA COVID-19 Information Hub.

Information about residential evictions and short-terms rentals is available on the OREA COVID-19 Information Hub.

As always, please stay tuned for future messages from OREA on government announcements and how they impact real estate in your region. 

Thank you and stay safe. 

Sincerely,

Sean Morrison
OREA President

The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this email is not meant to be relied upon as legal advice by REALTORS®, or others. Members wishing further clarity or advice should seek independent legal advice specific to their circumstances. Due to the quickly changing regulatory environment during the COVID-19 emergency, this information may not be current or accurate by the time it is read.