April, 2022 - CCI GRAND RIVER

Helpful Resources for Condominium Owners

April 28, 2022/in Educational

When an owner has a question related to their condominium and/or condominium living in general, their first instinct is to likely seek out an answer for themselves. Below outlines many of the helpful resources that an owner could make use of while undertaking review of a question or concern with respect to a condominium in the province of Ontario.

A search in other areas of Canada or North America may provide insight into a relevant matter, but due to differing laws, the resource from outside Ontario may provide improper information if taken into consideration in Ontario. Always remember to ensure any resources are applicable in the province of Ontario.

An owner’s most direct resource would always be their corporation’s governing documents, including the declaration, by-laws, and rules. These documents will apply directly to your corporation.
The next resource would be the Condominium Authority of Ontario resource page located at the link provided below. This webpage contains multiple links for various matters along with forms you may require while undertaking an informational review of your corporation. https://www.condoauthorityontario.ca/resources/
Let’s not forgot a call to your corporation’s manager could, depending on the inquiry, be a simple conversation to resolve a concern or question.
Another great resource especially with broader questions or scope would be the Condominium Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 19, which can be found in its current version at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/98c19
If you need additional information as it relates to managers and/or the management of your corporation, a great resource would be the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario website, which can be found at https://cmrao.ca/
National, regional, or local condominium association websites and/or meetings when available are a great resource of information and presentations that are typically accessible and searchable online with tools such as Google, or by way of direct links. This includes our own CCI website: https://cci-grc.ca/
Much of the time with a specific online search you will encounter legal articles or law blogs pertaining to your inquiry. This information can certainly provide clarity with respect to applicable matters but should be qualified as factual or merely opinions relating to a specific topic. Regardless, this type of information can be helpful when reviewing a topic.

The above-noted resources are likely where you will be able to find useful information as it relates to condominiums and condominiums living in Ontario.

If further research is required beyond the above, a person may need advice or information that is very specific or direct in nature and should seek the advice of a professional in the applicable field.

Corey Sargeant
President, G3 Property Solutions Ltd
www.g3propertysolutions.ca

How to Maximize Networking Opportunities at Tradeshows and Conferences

April 14, 2022/in Educational

In professional services, it is so important to build a network. Whether you’re fresh out of the gate or a well-seasoned expert, your network is your business lifeline. The challenge is… how do you build it?

It is widely regarded that trade shows and conferences are the way to go when looking to meet like-minded individuals in your industry. In fact, you are set up for success with these types of events. Each person that attends is either invested or interested in the same subject matter at hand. Armed with that knowledge, how can you ensure that you are maximizing your networking time and getting the biggest bang for your tradeshow buck?

Be Prepared.

Take some time to make a plan and better understand what you’re looking to get out of the tradeshow/conference in general, as well as the networking portion. Are you there to meet business allies? Future employers? Recruiting talent? Potential clients? Once you know who or what you’re looking for, you can review the exhibitor list, check out the speakers, and plan for what you want to see. If you have a list of people or businesses you want to connect with while you’re there, you’ll spend less time wandering the halls and more time making business connections.

Know What to Say.

We’re all a little out of practice at in-person events, but even before we took a 2-year hiatus it was a good idea to practice your “elevator pitch”. You’re here at this event with a purpose, and whatever it is, you need to be able to convey it to people you speak to in a concise manner. Work on introducing yourself, explaining what you do and then have some ice breaker questions lined up. You don’t need to practice endlessly to the point that you sound rehearsed and robotic, but you also don’t want to be caught on the spot with nothing to say. Give it some thought, but don’t obsess.

Card-Carrying.

Make sure you have plenty of up-to-date business cards handy and plan for what you’ll do with the ones you will collect. The last thing you want is to reach into your pocket to pull out someone else’s card and be left fumbling in front of someone. Consider having a place for your cards and a separate location for the ones you collect. Be sure to sort and organize the ones you receive as soon as you return to your home or hotel room to be sure you don’t lose any potential leads.

Sign Up and Get Involved.

There are always a host of opportunities to play games, interact, or participate in something going on. Get out there and have some fun. You never know what it could lead to. Be sure to put your name down for any newsletters that might be appropriate and get some free swag! Inspiration, connection, or a lead could be waiting for you to take a leap. This is your chance to make a memorable impression or to ask a question you’ve been waiting to ask. You’re already here, you might as well make it worthwhile!

Be a Sponge.

Absorb as much as you can. Learn about new products, organizations, practices…. any topic that is being shared! This is your chance to learn about things heading towards your industry or changing the way you work. Really listen to those you speak to and take in the knowledge. There is a wealth of knowledge available to you at these events and making it a point to learn as much as you can, will really help you get the most out of it.

Size-up the Competition.

It’s not every day that you get to stand shoulder to shoulder with your business competitors. Take the time to check out their booths and even have a friendly chat with them if you can. Remember, they’re competitors, not your enemy. Take a moment to see how they’re presenting themselves, what they are promoting and how they’re attracting people to their booths. Conversely, this is their chance to see what you have been up to. If you’re hosting a booth be sure to put your best foot forward and show them what you’ve got.

Above all else, enjoy yourself! It’s nice to be back out at in-person events. Learn as much as you can and be in the moment. Take notes and don’t forget to get as many free pens and goodies as you can. That’s the real perk of going to these events.

Tianna Brown
Senior Communications Specialist, RLB LLP
https://www.rlb.ca/

The Pros and Cons of Condo Living

April 4, 2022/in Educational

Investing in a condo may seem like the right choice because of the price, but what really are the pros and cons of condo living?

The housing market is heavy with condominium listings. For those looking to invest in a condominium, you may have some questions about what you’re getting yourself into.

Specifically, in the Guelph area, listings have increased by 40%. Many folks in Toronto have realized that the commute from Brampton and the commute from Guelph are quite similar. However, Guelph’s housing market is a fraction of the price.

Outdoor maintenance, storage, parking, and pets. These are all factors that you don’t really think too much about when buying a semi-detached or detached home. However, they do play a large role in how your condo community will work. So, how exactly does it work? You’ll want to keep reading!

Outdoor Maintenance

Are you someone who has never enjoyed any type of garden work? Mowing lawns, tending to weeds, or turning the soil? How about in those ghastly winter months with the endless shoveling? Certainly, there have been moments where you wish someone would handle all that work for you.

Luckily, in a condominium, much of the outdoor maintenance you yourself would have had to do in the past, will be covered in your condo fees, and done for you! Instead of struggling with that one pesky daisy who just doesn’t want to blossom, you can sit back and enjoy the view.

However, there are a lot of condominiums that do not offer much of a green space. Although many developments are working on constructing more green spaces, this is something you want to consider, especially if you have pets you want to walk around with, or if you are a person who enjoys strolls through the park.

Consider also how some condos not only lack green space, but also do not have a balcony to sit on. For many, this could be an issue. Especially if you are the type of person who enjoys sitting with a glass of wine on a warm summer’s eve as the sun sets slowly.

Storage Spaces

In most condos, the average storage space is about 4ft by 8ft, and can vary in distance from your unit. There are some storage units in the basement, some on every floor, and some connected to your unit. Also consider the distance you’ll need to travel and weight of what you are exchanging from your unit to storage.

Many may enjoy downsizing, purging their belongings, and feel the relief of “spring cleaning”. Though there are many others that may feel conflicted and would either look at renting an additional storage unit, or begging their parents to keep some cherished memories.

Also consider the condo’s rules and regulations, including rules on what you are allowed to keep in your storage unit, and the condo board’s enforcement rights should you choose to ignore the rules.

Take paint cans as an example. Innocent enough, right? Maybe you re-painted your kitchen and had leftover paint. Maybe it’s a custom colour, and you really don’t want to toss it, so you keep it in your storage unit.

Did you know that in most condo buildings, if the property manager is walking through with the fire department and they catch that paint can, they have the right to cut into your storage unit and remove it? These are situations to consider should you want to enter the condo community.

Parking Areas

A major pro that a lot of condo buildings have is the secure, underground, temperature-controlled parking. Since your outdoor maintenance is handled for you, the winter season is a breeze (so long as you move your car, as needed, when the plow comes).

However, most units only come with one car parking space. Some unit owners with two or more cars may begin to eye the visitor parking and improperly use those spaces for additional spots, which will mean the visitor parking spots will be full should actual visitors come.

Being mindful of your neighbours and the building rules, is a huge part of being a part of the condo community.

Pets, Pets, and Pets

You are at the mercy of your neighbours. You live beside, above, and below, your community, and you do need to be respectful and thoughtful of that. There is no guarantee of silence. This is something you need to accept. Sometimes you will hear their tv, their music, or their pets. Remember: you share walls. This also means that pet owners should be diligent and respectful when it comes to noise.

Be mindful that there are condo buildings that have rules and regulations when it comes to pets as well. For example: maybe their rule is no pets over 40 pounds, but you have adopted a dog that at the time, is 20 pounds, but you as the unit owner know will grow to be much more. This can put a lot of people in uncomfortable situations. Keep in mind that what you purchased comes with a set of rules.

These are only the tip of the iceberg of what you should consider when looking to invest in a condo unit or building. Hire a real estate agent or a lawyer who can walk you through the rules of condo living so that you know what you are buying into.

Are you a current condo unit or building owner struggling to navigate how you can be better informed? Be involved. Go to the annual general meeting. Use the resources that are provided for you.

You can also keep informed and up to date by following CCI-Grand River Chapter, or the Chapter that your condo resides in.

Maggie Matian
Marketing Manager, CCI Grand River