Our Association was founded in 1975 to provide training for all municipal personnel who are engaged in the administration or the enforcement of legislation governing the maintenance, occupancy, repair and improvement of property and the environment.

In 1990, our mandate was expanded to include training for municipal committee members and provincial government employees who are involved with Property Standards. A further expansion of our program occurred in 1992 to allow private individuals such as property managers, property owners, real estate agents and others, the opportunity to become better aquatinted with Property Standards By-laws and enforcement procedures.

The Provincial Government, on June 25, 1992, passed Bill Pr22, The Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers Act, 1992, private legislation that allows for membership certification.

What We Do

• promote and maintain the professional standards of Property Standards Officers;
• provide formal training and continuing education for our membership;
• advise our membership as to the development of government legislation and practices related to their respective duties.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR PROPERTY STANDARDS?

In 1962 the Provincial Government published a meaningful report on property maintenance entitled "A Better Place To Live". The work involved in the production of this document revealed that there existed the need for a new discipline, a new expertise and a new approach to property maintenance and occupancy.

The preservation, renovation and rehabilitation of existing buildings are important factors related to the improvement of housing conditions, relief from fire and other building hazards and the general advancement of accommodation for the citizens of Ontario. Social workers, police, fire and health officials could testify to the consequences of people living in sub-standard and over-crowded conditions.

As recommended in the report, the Province passed legislation which permitted municipalities to pass by-laws setting out minimum standards of maintenance and occupancy for residential properties. This legislation was welcomed by many municipalities as a means of ensuring the preservation of municipal housing stock, the removal of derelict buildings, and as a means of safeguarding and preserving all existing and future housing.

HISTORICAL SUMMARY

The Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers (O.A.P.S.O) was founded in 1975 with the sole purpose to provide training to all municipal personnel who are engaged in the administration or the enforcement of legislation governing the maintenance, occupancy, repair and improvement of property and the environment.

This Association conducts annual seminars and regional conferences at various locations throughout Ontario. These training sessions afford the membership the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge of modern building techniques and revised or new legislation. The benefits derived from this training are incalculable due to the fact that government policies or regulations; building technology, materials and methods of inspections are constantly being transformed.

In 1990 the Association expanded the training program to include municipal committee members and Provincial Government employees involved in Property Standards. A further expansion in training occurred in 1992 to allow private sector individuals such as property managers, landlords, real estate agents and other interested parties the opportunity to become better acquainted with Property Standards.

On June 25, 1992, the Provincial Government, in recognition of the continuing endeavours of O.A.P.S.O. to educate and train its membership, passed private legislation that permitted certification of those members of the Association who meet the established qualifications. Those members who qualify for certification are permitted to use the designation of C.P.S.O. "Certified Property Standards Officer",

The Association currently has representation from municipalities and Government agencies from across Ontario. This broad coverage of the province provides the membership with a diversity of experiences to draw upon.