From a qualification perspective, condominium board members are typically not licensed brokers, risk managers nor insurance professionals. They are people from varying backgrounds, bringing different views to the table. 

Airbnb and other short-term rentals have been a hotly debated topic of discussion in Toronto and other major metropolitan cities, nearly since its inception in 2008. It is argued that the many conveniences offered by STRs, including their often reasonable prices and locations, have come at the expense of other residents in the City of Toronto, including those who reside nearby to STR units.

The fundamental problem, I believe, is that condominium insurance just isn’t sufficiently profitable for the insurers. I think the reason is that the premiums are based on the risk of large claims (say, insured losses of $100,000 or more) … and in actual practice condominium corporations often have many smaller claims.

It has been common practice in the condominium industry for a condominium corporation to chargeback these legal costs to the non-compliant owner; however, a recent case of the Superior Court of Justice has some in the Ontario condo industry taking the position that these chargebacks are no longer permissible, absent a court order.

There are major changes to the old Construction Lien Act that will significantly affect Ontario condominiums. Amendments have been passed that will modernize the Act, help ensure that businesses and workers get paid on time, and help ensure that payment disputes are addressed quickly. 

As someone who has been in the security and concierge industry for over 20 years and who works closely with condominium managers, it is my responsibility to not only bring awareness to issues that attract liability, protect property/ assets or adversely reflect the image of the corporations we service, but I must also recommend training programs and procedures that will assist condominium managers in the preservation of human life.

Communication has an important, and often underrated, role to play in conflict management. As many condominium managers already know, good communication is a key tool in resolving disputes and may even prevent disputes from arising in the first place.

On January 1, 2018, Ontario’s minimum wage will increase from $11.40 an hour to $14.00 an hour. A year later, Ontarians will host one of the highest minimum wages in Canada, coming in at $15.00 an hour. Without a doubt, the plan is great news for those struggling to make ends meet; however, the pace at which the hike is scheduled is worrisome. 

Over the last six years I have spoken about the benefits of passing a Standard Unit Bylaw (SUB) at numerous Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and town hall meetings. At these meetings there is one common overriding theme which is, the unit owners feel that the corporations are trying to put them at a disadvantage; because of this belief these meeting are usually very emotional.