I want to update you on some important breaking news from Queen’s Park.
Earlier today, as part of additional health and safety measures to fight the spread of COVID-19, the Province announced that effective Saturday (tomorrow), October 17at 12:01 a.m. open houses are prohibited in the health regions of Toronto, Peel, and Ottawa Regions and real estate showings must be by appointment only.
This means that REALTORS® working in the Peel, Toronto and Ottawa regions cannot host open houses this weekend.
The Province has also announced that on Monday, October 19, York Region will join Toronto, Peel and Ottawa in modified Stage 2, meaning that as of 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 19 open houses will be banned in York Region as well and real estate showings must be by appointment only.
To be clear, the Province is prohibiting open houses in Toronto, Peel and Ottawa effective as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020 and open houses are prohibited in York Region as of 12:01 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2020.
The new restrictions are in effect for 28 days. Under the new restrictions, York region has joined Ottawa, Toronto and Peel as being in modified Stage 2 as a result of trends in COVID-related public health indicators, including higher than average rates of COVID-19 transmission.
Today’s announcement shows, once again, that the Province is following OREA’s advice. You will recall last week OREA called on Members to stop doing in-person open houses and OREA CEO Tim Hudak wrote to Ontario’s Minister of Government and Consumer Services, the Hon. Lisa Thompson, asking that open houses be banned in regions experiencing higher rates of positive COVID-19 cases.
For Members working outside of York Region, Toronto, Peel and Ottawa, OREA’s advice continues to be that they use virtual tools first and to the greatest extent possible and, if clients want to view properties in person, Members work to schedule safe showings following all health and safety guidelines.
Today’s announcement protects OREA Members, their clients and the impacted communities. It is another big GR win for OREA and we commend the Ontario Government for listening to our advice.
We will provide more information on this issue as it becomes available.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
Jason Lagerquist
Head of Government Relations, OREA
Sent on behalf of Jason Lagerquist
Brampton Real Estate Board 