When the summer months come around in Canada there’s not a whole lot better than relaxing outside on a beautiful day with friends and family and cooking up a great meal on the barbecue. However, if you are living in a condo or looking for a new one there are some that might prohibit your use of barbecues.  

Cities such as Toronto and Ottawa don’t have any restrictions on balcony barbecues under their municipal bylaws. However, the province of Ontario has regulations pertaining to propane storage and its use which are outlined below. 

• Propane tanks cannot be stored indoors.
• A service elevator must be used to transport propane. If the building doesn’t have a service elevator, the resident must use the passenger elevator alone.
• The barbecue must be 10 feet from the building unless you have a natural gas line attached to the building.
• If your condo board doesn’t allow the use of barbecues on balconies in the lease agreement or condo act, they are prohibited.

Whenever purchasing a condo be sure to check with the municipal by-laws and the particular condo agreement. Even if the province or city allows barbecues on balconies, the condo board of directors or property owner can implement safety restrictions, or ban the use of barbecues altogether.

For condo residents that don’t have the space or cannot use a propane barbecue due to their condo’s rules, there are still some options to get your favourite meal on the grill.

Communal barbecue

Many condo buildings have a shared area for residents to barbecue, usually on a rooftop terrace or in a courtyard. The downside of these spaces is the lack of privacy but it is a lot better than not having a barbecue at all. So, when looking for a condo, keep in mind that this amenity can be a huge bonus for the summer months. On Condo Dork you can also add BBQ as an amenity filter to highlight all of the buildings with barbecues.

Electric barbecue

The next best thing if traditional barbecues are prohibited is an electric grill. It might not have that authentic flame feeling and taste but they have some great perks such as: they heat up faster, are easy to use, are healthier, and are generally safer than other grilling options. There are also alternatives for your food to provide a smoky flavour including smoked paprika and liquid smoke.

If a barbecue for your condo is a must-have be sure to clarify with your agent. If you don’t have one, specify that you need barbecue access in the condo agreement.

Dept., E. and P. S. (2021, March 30). Outdoor fire safety. City of Ottawa. https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/ottawa-fire-services/fire-safety-information/outdoor-fire-safety.