As of 12:01 am June 11, 2022, most of Ontario’s remaining mask mandates will be lifted. This means that the provincial requirement to wear masks in many settings deemed high risk, including public transit, health care settings, group homes, and shelters, will be dropped. Masking is still required in long-term care and retirement homes.
Although the provincial requirement to wear masks in many settings deemed high risk will be dropped, organizations can continue to make their own rules regarding masking.
If I host an open house, can I require masks to be worn inside?
Yes. A REALTOR® can insist that any open house they organize will require masking.
REALTORS® should speak candidly with clients about their comfort levels in visiting homes or opening their home up to potential buyers. Have a very clear dialogue about comfort levels relating to showings and document the requirements in writing for both yourself and your clients. Do your best to accommodate any needs they articulate that are above and beyond the basic public health guidelines.
Can a real estate board and/or brokerage maintain a mask policy if they choose to?
Yes, they can, however, boards & brokerages should be mindful that they cannot discriminate against individuals in the provision of services on grounds protected under human rights legislation.
For example, if a visitor is unable to adhere to your mask policy for a valid medical reason, you would likely need to find some way to accommodate that individual (e.g., conducting a meeting via phone call, meeting virtually or outdoors while physically distanced, or by implementing stricter safety protocols in the office).
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, is encouraging Ontarians to continue wearing a mask if they feel it is right for them, are at high risk for severe illness, are recovering from COVID, have COVID symptoms, or are a close contact of someone with the virus.
The lifting of these remaining masking requirements was made amid high vaccination rates and an improvement in the province’s overall COVID-19 situation.
Brampton Real Estate Board 