Real Property Policy Notice 2025-1: Updates to the Treasury Board Real Property Policy Instruments

Overview

The Directive on the Management of Real Property (the Directive) was updated to clarify policy requirements, accelerate real property transactions, and strengthen the overall management of federal real property.

1. All administrative due diligence requirements have now been consolidated into a new appendix to the Directive. For departments responsible for the administration of real property, the Minister has flexibility to determine which due diligence steps are required when acquiring or disposing of real property, based on the type of transaction. This recognizes that certain due diligence measures may not apply to all properties.
2. The Directive has been updated to reflect the most recent version of the CSA Group’s (formerly Canadian Standards Association) Accessible Design for the Built Environment standard.
3. Some definitions in the Policy on the Planning and Management of Investments have been updated to match changes to due diligence requirements. The definitions for ‘Environmental Performance’, ‘Physical Performance’, and ‘Physical Condition’ have been revised to align with common industry standards. A new definition for ‘Environmental Condition’ has also been added for clarity.

Application

These policy amendments were implemented to support the timely disposal of surplus federal real property.

Departments must continue to responsibly exercise their real property authorities. This includes maintaining the government’s commitment to fairness, openness and transparency in all acquisition, management and disposal processes.

Departments are reminded of their obligations to ensure that decisions related to real property are supported by a documented rationale and/or a business case.

With any real property transaction, departments are required to ensure that proper controls, oversight and processes are in place. Senior designated officials are advised to update their departmental real property management framework as needed to reflect the amendments.

Enquiries

Questions about this policy notice or the standard can be directed to tbs-sctinvestmentmanagement-gestiondesinvestissements@tbs-sct.gc.ca