Statement From OREA President Sean Morrison: Open Houses Banned in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel And York Region

"Today, the Ontario Government announced that open houses will be prohibited in Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and York Region as of the following dates and times:

• Ottawa, Peel and Toronto: open houses prohibited as of Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
• York Region: open houses prohibited as of Monday, October 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

In-person property showings are permitted but by appointment only, under the new rules from the Province. We are pleased to see the Government has listened to OREA’s advice on stopping open houses in areas of the Province where COVID-19 cases are on the rise.

The ban is in place for a minimum of 28 days and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Government; it is one of several other public health measures that have been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Since the start of the pandemic, Ontario REALTORS® have shown incredible leadership in protecting the health and safety of our communities and clients. We know that a ban on open houses will not stop them from delivering exceptional service and helping Ontarians achieve the dream of finding a great place to call home.

We continue to urge REALTORS® to use virtual tools first – like virtual showings and virtual open houses – and to the greatest extent possible. Safe in-person showings are still permitted across Ontario. For guidance on conducting a safe in-person showing, visit OREA’s COVID-19 Information hub."

- Sean Morrison, OREA President