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Tag Archive for: unit owners

Happy Board, Happy Life!

November 2, 2023/in Educational

A condominium’s Board of Directors play a significant and immeasurable role in the daily governance of a condominium corporation in Ontario. Board members are not only responsible for ensuring the corporation is well managed on behalf of all owners and residents, they are also responsible for ensuring that the corporation’s financial assets are secured and well managed. 

Board of directors. Condominium board of directors. CCI Grand River.

Understanding that this volunteer role is not one to take lightly, how can we as owners, managers, professionals, residents, and fellow board members help in keeping board members happy in their roles?

Understanding the common goal. 

There are always several projects and many moving parts for any condominium. From repairs to upkeep, making sure everyone is aligned with the priority task list will relieve unnecessary stress from any single member. Attending all appropriate meetings and keeping up with the communication will definitely help shave some group tension.

Communication. Communication. Communication. 

It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway! Communication is key. Are you a board member who feels that one task should be brought up on the priority list? Bring it up at the next board meeting. Are you an owner that is unsure of the next step in a repair process? Reach out! It’s amazing how many of our problems can be solved if we keep an open dialogue with each other. The resources are there for a reason, don’t be afraid to use them!

Knowing that Boards of Directors are vital to the industry.

Your condominium’s Board of Directors are vital to your condominium’s corporation. Boards consist of volunteers with different work and life experience and therefore offer unique perspectives when tackling concerns and listening to owners and residents. Respecting the different views of each other and listening can lead your condominium to new and creative solutions. And hey, it may even save you money!

Compassion and support.

CCI Grand River. Board member. Board of directors. Condominium board. Condo board.

Now that we understand the priority list, are great at communication, and know that a Board of Directors plays a significant role in a condominium corporation, the last aspect to consider when trying to keep your board happy is: compassion and support.

Your Board of Directors are human, after all. Being courteous with each other will lend a huge helping hand in keeping a better community.

Being a Board member means wanting to make a difference in your community. It’s a lot easier to make a difference when you feel respected and heard. Being an active part of your community and listening to the concerns of your corporation can help your board check tasks off their lists and continue ensuring you are living your best condo life.

Reach out to your condominium board today to see how you can support your community.

Conference Sponsorship, annual conference, annual golf tournament, Grand River Chapter, Canadian Condominium Institute, Become a Member | CCI-GRC

Maggie Matian
Marketing Manager for CCI Grand River

https://cci-grc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Blog-Titles-CCI-3.png 300 750 adminCCI https://cci-grc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CCI-Full-Logo-Grand-River-31ae3da81a2928943167b28ecdb52b1f-300x103.jpg adminCCI2023-11-02 05:30:042023-11-03 17:29:38Happy Board, Happy Life!

Mitigating Risk When Snowbirds Fly South

October 19, 2023/in Educational

Things to consider before the Snowbirds Fly South

We hate to say it, but it’s that time of year again to prepare for plummeting temperatures and to make plans for the winter ahead. Maybe you like to head down south for the winter and escape Canada’s snow. But what are some things you should be thinking about before you leave your home for the winter? Here are a few things to consider before escaping to warmer locations.

1. Safety and Security Concerns

a. Check your home insurance policy

What does your insurance policy require you to do when you are away for an extended period of time? Do you need to have someone check your home every few days? If so, make sure you have a family member, friend, or neighbour agree to do the required checks. If you’re not sure what your policy requires, call your insurer to check. Ask whoever is checking your home to pick up mail, newspapers, etc. as well so you don’t give away signs that your home is empty and unmonitored.

b. Check your condominium documents

Your condominium’s declaration may have rules that impact your decisions when you’re leaving for the winter as well. For example, are you required to keep your home at a certain minimum temperature to ensure your pipes don’t freeze, burst, and cause a building-wide flood?
If you’re considering renting out your home as a short-term rental while you’re away, does your condominium declaration and/or rules allow short-term rentals? If so, are there limits on how short (or long) you can rent your home out for?

c. Don’t turn off your heat!

Heating your home in the winter can be expensive, but so is flooding caused by a burst pipe. So don’t forget to continue to heat your home while you’re away. Even if your insurance policy and condominium documents don’t require regular checks, set this up anyway so you can have peace of mind while you’re away. Accidents happen, and if there’s a flood or any other emergency in your home, you want someone to catch it as soon as possible.

2. Virtual meetings

Does your corporation have a lot of owners who are Snowbirds? You may have found that this can restrict your options when holding board meetings and Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Luckily, virtual meetings and platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams has made location a problem of the past! There are also a few third-party companies that can be utilized to ensure flawless e-voting, guarantee quorum and assist with the technology side of virtual meetings for those who are not so tech savvy.

Holding AGMs virtually has several benefits. It can ensure quorum is met as owners can log in from anywhere or easily provide digital proxies. There is also flexibility in the timing of the meeting. Before virtual AGMs, a lot of corporations would rush to hold their AGM before unit owners departed for the winter. Now, it can be held anytime within the 6 months after the year end, which can reduce pressures on the auditor, property manager and the board.

Many guest speakers, such as lawyers, engineers and auditors are now charging additional fees for in person attendance. Virtual attendance is often cheaper or possibly included in their professional fees, as it is less time consuming for the guest.

While there is a lot of planning and preparation that goes on for travellers at this time of the year, it’s important to not forget about the condominium you are leaving behind. Ensuring that your unit is taken care of while you’re away can be a relief not only to you, but to your fellow neighbours as well!

 

Authors:

Shalon Chapman, LCCL
RLB LLP

 

 

 

Annie Bailey
Lawyer
Robson Carpenter LLP

https://cci-grc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blog-Titles-CCI-2.png 300 750 adminCCI https://cci-grc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CCI-Full-Logo-Grand-River-31ae3da81a2928943167b28ecdb52b1f-300x103.jpg adminCCI2023-10-19 12:08:292023-11-03 17:29:47Mitigating Risk When Snowbirds Fly South

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