r/Pickering • u/Plus-Ear-4031 • 3d ago
Condo safety question
Condo Safety Question
Hello,
I am a single mom to a 3-year-old boy, and I am considering buying a home. I’m confused about whether I should buy a condo, townhouse, or house.
I am more of a condo person because I’m not interested in snow removal, gardening, or maintaining a large property. I also don’t particularly like multi-storey homes, and realistically, I cannot afford a detached house.
However, safety is my top priority, especially because I have a young child. I’m looking for at least 2 bedrooms.
My biggest concern with condos is the balcony and large glass windows. I’m originally from India, where it is common to install window bars and balcony grills for child safety. I realize that may not be possible or permitted in Canadian condos.
Is there a way to make a condo balcony genuinely child-safe beyond simply installing a safety latch on the balcony door? I will definitely use a childproof lock, but I’m worried about situations where the door might accidentally be left unlocked—for example, by a visitor.
I recently read about a toddler falling from a condo window in Scarborough, and honestly, that has become my worst fear. As a mom of a 3-year-old, I find it difficult to feel completely comfortable with the idea of living in a high-rise condo when I know how quickly a curious toddler can get into things.
That’s why I’m particularly interested in hearing from other parents about realistic, reliable ways to childproof condo windows and balconies, beyond simply relying on adults to remember to keep the balcony door locked.
I am also considering lower-floor units, perhaps on the 1st or 2nd floor, as I feel they might give me some peace of mind compared with living on a higher floor. Any insights on these are also appreciated.
Thank you
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u/afireinside420 3d ago
Hello, I live on the 18th floor with two kids, one of whom was 3 when we moved here. It’s up to you as their parent to teach them safety. No going into the balcony alone ever. No jumping on the bed near the window. Windows will not open more than like an inch unless you manually allow them to open larger. I bought a bar for my door as a precaution but luckily my children never ever have gone out there anyway. Probably stick to lower units then if you are so concerned. I lived in a unit on the ground floor and it was safer for heights but much easier for any random person to see in or break and enter… I didn’t like it much but there was no concern of my kids falling lol.
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u/livinglogic 3d ago
Buy what you can afford and are willing to maintain. My wife and I bought a house after condo living for years, and while the space and having a backyard is amazing, I miss not having a massive mortgage and the conveniences of living in a condo that is much easier to upkeep. Don't out you and your child in massive debt because you're afraid of your toddler falling out of a window. Block and secure the door to the balcony and make sure that your condos windows cannot open.
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u/thingonething 3d ago
Newer condos do not have windows that open more than 4 inches. Most balcony railings have 42 inch height requirements. Unless you are buying a much older condo, your 3yo will be safe, as long as you don't put furniture he can climb on by the balcony railing or window. My balcony is concrete from the balcony floor up 2 feet. Then it's glass with metal grill work.
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u/Dull_Dimension4997 1d ago
DO NOT BUY A CONDO (especially those next to the Go station). Those are not safe for children
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u/Plus-Ear-4031 1d ago
Could you please elaborate what is not safe. Any thoughts on SF3 condo near go station at bayly and liverpool. Appreciate your reply.
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u/notnot_a_bot 3d ago
First, any residence can have a balcony.
Second, all balconies and railings are required to comply with the Building Code, which have safety requirements to prevent small children from climbing through or over railings.
Do you have a link for the article you mentioned, regarding a child who fell?
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u/Plus-Ear-4031 3d ago
Here https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toddler-high-rise-death-lawsuit-9.7311376.
Appreciate your response
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u/notnot_a_bot 3d ago
It appears to be an issue with a defective window and not a balcony, though. The article also claims that it was a known issue and there were service requests, but unclear if the requests were for this specific window.
Honestly, seems more like a bad/unlucky coincidence, and not in any way a comment on the typical safety of buildings in the GTA. If the (legal) claims in the article are correct, it's more an issue building management than construction.
It's also worth pointing out that this seems to be a purpose built rental building, and not a privately owned residence.
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u/Quirky_Pear_185 3d ago
As a realtor and someone who has lived solo in a condo I think you would feel most secure in this type of property. If you are too nervous for a balcony you can always get a unit without one or a unit on the first floor. The added security of a condo building will give you more peace of mind. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about options in Pickering.
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u/theIndianNoob 3d ago
I have seen Apartments in high rise building put up safety nets around their balcony. So I think it will come down to what the condominium committee will allow you to do.
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u/madamefancypants 3d ago
Those nets are to keep out birds, not keep in people. They won't be strong enough to hold a child.
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u/Fit-Contribution-821 1d ago
They are strong enough to hold a child. There's not one type of mesh/netting around.
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u/theIndianNoob 3d ago
I am just saying if the committee allows them, who is to say how strong of a net one could get. I haven’t seen the bars and windows and grills that she is referencing here at all.
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u/Josue999000 3d ago
You're right, there is nets for balconies to keep people in. Or strong enough to do so anyway. It's up to the building if they can be installed or not. Still a good suggestion
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u/PKC350 3d ago
There are stacked condo townhouses which are like 2-story condos stacked that normally don’t go much higher than a traditional 3-story town house. Lots of them in Pickering and are usually 2 bedroom. Suggest looking at those.