The Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers (OAPSO) was founded in 1975 with the purpose of providing training to all municipal personnel who are engaged in the administration and/or enforcement of legislation governing the maintenance, occupancy, repair and improvement of property and the environment. OAPSO 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, OAPSO expanded training 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 acquainted with Property Standards By-laws and enforcement procedures. 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.
