By Excel Sheppard Insurance Service and Risk Management When searching for a new home, prospective condo owners are attracted to communities with active security programs. In order to deter crime and provide homeowners with a sense of safety, many condominium corporations utilize surveillance cameras as part of this security strategy. On the surface, installing security…
by Trinity Player Potted flowers and plants can add a welcome touch of green to a condominium’s grounds, foyer, and common spaces such as social rooms and fitness centres. But did you know that they can also pose a serious danger? Over the last few years, fire departments throughout North America have reported a higher…
By Brian Shedden Do you remember that old Cher song from a few years ago…”If I Could Turn Back Time…” One of the biggest challenges facing a Board of Directors at any condominium corporation is how to save money on the big repair projects that regularly have to be done. Whether it is roofing, the…
by Justin Tudor Condominium owners and directors are typically more aware of the maintenance costs and requirements of their buildings than their freehold-living counterparts. This is by virtue of legislation requiring that common element maintenance and replacement plans be considered through regular reserve fund studies. However, like the freehold owner who elects to put off…
By Todd A. Shipley In order to levy a fine or monetary sanction, a board must carefully consider the “how” and “why.” The Condominium Property Act (RSA 2000, c. C-22) (the “Act”) and most modern condominium by-laws allow boards to issue fines or monetary sanctions for noncompliance. However, the case-law provides both cautionary tales and…
By Erna Malcolm The City of Edmonton wants to raise awareness about the Private Agency Parking Enforcement program, which gives private condominiums, management companies, shopping malls, hospitals, and post-secondary institutions the authority to issue City of Edmonton tickets on their property. What is the Private Agency Parking Enforcement program? The Private Agency Parking Enforcement program is…
by Judy Downey A condo owner renting a condominium unit to residential tenants must be aware of the rights and obligations as a landlord pursuant to both the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Condominium Property Act (CPA). The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act and Regulation outlines the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, and…
by Eustace Mousehabbit The following story is true. Names and locations have been altered to protect privacy and avoid embarrassment to those involved … It is usually only when a problem arises, or something goes badly amiss that many condo boards and owners start paying serious attention to their by-laws. Disputes between boards and irate…
by Gord Sheppard 1. Smile – Because you volunteer for an effective Board that is knowledgeable easily gets things done? 2. Bite Your Lip – Because you don’t want to say anything bad about someone who said they would get something done after the last meeting and they didn’t? 3. Scream Out Loud – Because…