4 Strategic Risk Management Questions for every Condo Board
Serving on a condominium board is about more than balancing budgets and approving contracts — it is about stewardship of a community. Directors carry not only legal responsibilities but also the trust of residents who expect their homes to be safe, secure, and well-managed.
Property managers are essential partners in this work, but ultimately, it’s the board that sets the tone for responsible governance. Thoughtful boards ask strategic questions that protect both their residents and their reputation.
Here are four areas where engaged condo boards — working in partnership with their managers — can make a lasting difference.
1. Is our fire safety program up to date and protecting our residents?
The Ontario Fire Code requires fire safety plans to be reviewed and updated every 12 months. But the best boards and managers see this as more than a compliance exercise.
A living fire safety program should reflect the current realities of your building — from renovations to evolving resident demographics, including those who may need assistance during an evacuation.
Annual reviews, documented drills, and visible communication not only captures your compliance requirements, they reduce liability — and build resident confidence that safety is taken seriously. In today’s environment, transparency and preparedness are as valuable as compliance.
2. Do we have a living emergency preparedness program — for staff and residents?
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), condo corporations are employers. Boards therefore have a responsibility to ensure staff receive clear training, resources, and procedures for emergencies.
But true resilience extends beyond staff. When residents understand their role — knowing evacuation routes, how to support vulnerable neighbours, and what to do when alarms sound — the entire community benefits. Meeting the emergency planning demands for the Fire Code, Occupiers Liability Act and other areas of legislation should be top of mind.
Boards that encourage resident engagement in emergency planning, foster a culture of shared responsibility. This reduces confusion in a crisis and strengthens the bond between residents, staff, and management - and leads to better incident outcomes.
3. Have we reviewed our building’s security risks with a fresh perspective?
Security risks are dynamic — shaped by technology, crime trends, and community needs. An independent security risk assessment, ideally every 5 to 10 years, helps boards and managers ensure existing measures are still effective.
Importantly, “independent” means assessments are conducted by professionals who are not your existing security provider. This ensures a neutral perspective, considers current security practices with no conflicts of interest.
By proactively updating protocols, boards demonstrate they are forward-thinking, protect against costly incidents, and reinforce residents’ sense of safety.
4. Are we supporting our staff with clear workplace violence and harassment policies and have hey been implemented?
Behind every well-run condominium are the staff and managers who keep operations running smoothly. Yet these individuals may face difficult interactions — from aggressive residents to contractors or visitors.
Ontario law requires employers to maintain workplace violence and harassment policies. But the most effective boards provide clear policies, practical training, and visible support - boards send a strong signal that staff are respected and protected.
This not only fulfills legal obligations — it improves staff morale, strengthens resident relationships, and contributes to a healthier community culture.
Governance and Community Leadership
While many operational tasks can be delegated to property managers and trusted consultants, accountability always rests with the board.
By asking these strategic questions — and acting on the answers — boards reinforce their governance role while strengthening safety, trust, and resilience across the entire community. Your management team needs the support to ensure the above is completed.
At National Life Safety Group, we work alongside condo boards and property managers across Ontario to strengthen fire safety, emergency management, and risk programs. Together, we can protect lives, reduce liability, and ensure that every resident feels secure in the place they call home.
To learn more of our services, kindly reach out and connect!