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firm:real-estate:title-search [2025/07/01 16:01] – created adminfirm:real-estate:title-search [2025/07/02 02:02] (current) – [6. Documentation and Reporting] admin
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 This page sets out the base requirements for title search behind the land title abstract / registry abstract. This page sets out the base requirements for title search behind the land title abstract / registry abstract.
 +
 +==== Index ====
 +
 +{{indexmenu>:firm:real-estate:title-search#2}}
 +
 +==== Critical warning ====
 +
 +Before conducting any kind of inquiry into title, you **must** be sure to know the name and identification number of the land registry office ("LRO") in which the property is located.
  
 ===== Relevant legislation ===== ===== Relevant legislation =====
  
   - [[https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l05|Land Titles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.5]]   - [[https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90l05|Land Titles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.5]]
-  - +  - [[https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90r20|Registry Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. R.20]] 
 + 
 +===== Resources ===== 
 + 
 +  - [[https://www.teraview.ca/en/city-town-lro-cross-reference/|LRO municipality search]] 
 +  - [[https://www.onland.ca/ui/4/books/search|Search historical land records]] 
 +  - [[https://www.onland.ca/ui/lro/documents|Land documents]] 
 + 
 +//Most upper-tier municipalities (large municipalities without counties or counties) will maintain a Geographic Information System ("GIS"). A GIS will provide a map with planning, environmental, and associated overlays that is very useful for title searching.// 
 + 
 +===== Key concepts ===== 
 + 
 +==== 1. Planning Act Search Requirements ==== 
 + 
 +**Purpose**: Identify potential subdivision or part lot control violations under the Planning Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13). 
 + 
 +**Timeframe**: Search back to June 15, 1967 (if prior subdivision control by-laws exist) or June 27, 1970. 
 + 
 +**Exemptions**: 
 +  * Whole lots on a registered plan of subdivision (not parcels/PINs). 
 +  * Conveyances to government entities. 
 +  * Properties deemed exempt via by-laws or Land Titles upgrades (e.g., Land Titles Absolute Plus). 
 + 
 +**Critical Actions**: 
 +  * Verify no prior shared ownership with abutting lands during the Planning Act period. 
 +  * Review by-laws, consents, and validation certificates affecting the property. 
 + 
 +====2. Adjoining Lands Investigations==== 
 + 
 +**Objective**: Confirm legal boundaries, access, and compliance with subdivision/part lot controls. 
 + 
 +**Steps**: 
 +  - Identify Abutting Parcels: Use subdivision plans, POLARIS maps, Teraview eMaps, and GIS. 
 +  - Trace Ownership Chains: Ensure no common ownership with the subject land during the Planning Act period. 
 +  - Document Encumbrances: 
 +  * Easements, restrictive covenants, and road reserves. 
 +  * Legal access to public roads (review road pages in the abstract index). 
 + 
 +**Sketching Best Practices**: 
 +  * Create a color-coded diagram of the subject land and adjoining parcels. 
 +  * Cross-reference with parcel registers and abstracts. 
 + 
 +====3. Legal Access and Road Searches==== 
 + 
 +  * Verify access to a public road or documented easement. 
 +  * Check for road widenings, closings, or dedications on subdivision plans. 
 + 
 +**Example**: If the property abuts a private road (e.g., Haliburton Trail), confirm it is not a reserve or encroached. 
 + 
 +====4. Exemptions and Exceptions==== 
 + 
 +**Whole Lots**: Sale of a whole lot on a registered plan does not require a Planning Act consent. 
 + 
 +**Part Lots**: Sales of part lots require verification that the seller does not own other abutting parcels. 
 + 
 +Land Titles/POLARIS: 
 + 
 +//Parcels/PINs may not align with subdivision lot exemptions. Always confirm via by-laws or title insurer guidelines.// 
 + 
 +====5. Subsearches and Updates==== 
 + 
 +**Purpose**: Ensure no intervening registrations affect the transaction post-initial search. 
 + 
 +**Scope**: 
 +  * Update abstract/day books for new instruments. 
 +  * Execute WritSearch (executions) and PPSR (personal property liens). 
 + 
 +====6. Documentation and Reporting==== 
 + 
 +**Mandatory Inclusions**: 
 +  * [[firm:real-estate:title-search:chain-of-title|Chain of title]] (by name and description). 
 +  * Sketches, abstracts, and copies of key documents (deeds, mortgages, by-laws). 
 +  * Search summary highlighting title issues, exemptions, and compliance. 
 + 
 +Tools: Use POLARIS, Teraview, and abstract books for verification. 
 + 
 +====7. Title Insurance Implications==== 
 + 
 +**Requirements**: Insurers mandate rigorous Planning Act and chain-of-title compliance. 
 + 
 +**Best Practice**: Document all exemptions, consents, and compliance checks in the search summary. 
  

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