The evolving landscape of BC strata management: An interview with Boon Sim

Strata living in British Columbia continues to grow in popularity, but with that growth comes complexity. Recent updates to the Strata Property Act have introduced new requirements, including mandatory electrical planning reports for EV charging infrastructure, stricter timelines for depreciation reports, and increased contributions to contingency reserve funds. These changes place additional responsibilities on strata councils, which often rely on volunteer leadership.

For many communities, partnering with an experienced management company like FirstService Residential supports compliance and peace of mind. With scale, technology, and expertise, FirstService helps councils navigate regulations while maintaining financial health and resident satisfaction.
 

BC strata management in Vancouver and beyond: Expert insights into trends, compliance, and more

We caught up with Boon Sim, Vice President of Strata at FirstService Residential, to talk about what’s really happening in BC’s strata communities and how his team helps councils stay ahead.

"I was born in Singapore but grew up in BC. I’ve only been with FirstService Residential for 2 years, but I have been in this industry for 27 years. I have witnessed not only the shift in industry but the evolution of BC and believe it’s only going to get more complex."

Boon Sim, Vice President of Strata at FirstService Residential
  

BCs biggest challenges for strata councils right now

"Put simply, it’s time and expertise. Most councils are made up of volunteers who care deeply about their communities, but managing budgets, enforcing bylaws, and keeping up with new strata regulations can feel like a full-time job. Having a maintenance schedule that includes inspections and negotiating vendor contracts so costs stay predictable are some things to consider."

Visit our British Columbia strata council members page to learn more about how we support councils throughout BC.
 

EV charging is a hot topic. How is that changing things?

"As part of Canadas commitment to sustainability including EVs, the province now requires electrical planning reports for many buildings, and that’s a game-changer. High-rises in Vancouver, for example, need serious infrastructure upgrades to support EV adoption. Your property management company should work with you to develop practical plans and budgets, so you’re prepared for upcoming requirements and challenges."

Townhome communities have their own challenges.

"Preventive maintenance is key, but it can be quite overwhelming. If you stay ahead of repairs, you avoid big surprises. Scheduling inspections and negotiating vendor contracts so costs stay predictable is key."

Learn more about British Columbia townhome property management here.
 

High-rises sound complex. How do you support those buildings?

"They’re like mini cities! You’ve got security, concierge services, mechanical systems, and multiple amenity facilities that need constant management and attention. 24/7 support and useful technology to keep everyone in the loop is a must."

How technology fits in.

"It’s huge. Residents can pay fees, access documents, and submit requests online. It makes life easier and builds trust because everything is transparent. Technology helps your strata manager focus on the bigger picture too."

At FirstService Residential, we are proud to deliver exceptional property management technology solutions. HODA^®, our proprietary Homeowner Digital Assistant, is designed to streamline property management tasks. It provides residents with instant access to essential services, including account balances, transaction details, statements, community information, amenity bookings, service requests, work orders, and architectural modifications. By simply texting HODA^® at 1.866.377.0779, residents receive automated responses to their inquiries, making it easier to manage day-to-day needs efficiently and effectively.

Learn more about HODA^® here.
 

How do budgeting and reserve funds help councils.

"Preparing a detailed forecast and making sure councils meet reserve fund requirements is strata council 101. This allows you to avoid special levies and keep property values strong."

Read our article 'Creating your strata budget: What to consider' to learn more about budgeting.

To learn more about reserves, read our article 'Understanding the Contingency Reserve Fund in strata corporations'.
 

What about rental property owners?

"Know your obligations under strata bylaws and provincial rules. Our rental management services are designed to make compliance and tenant screening straightforward, allowing owners to relax—because we believe supporting your peace of mind should speak for itself, not require a hard sell."

Want to learn more about our rental management solutions? Click here to learn more about our tailored services for rental properties in Vancouver and beyond, including tenant screening, rent collection, and more.
 

Compliance sounds complicated, can you make this more simplified.

"We’ve got dedicated legal and compliance teams tracking changes to the Strata Property Act. Councils get updates before issues become problems. That’s a big advantage over smaller firms."

Read our article 'What is the Strata Property Act in British Columbia' to learn more about local compliance and how FirstService Residential can help.
 

What makes FirstService stand out?

"Scale and resources. We offer 24/7 customer care, advanced tech, and specialized expertise. Smaller companies just can’t match that. But it’s also the human touch; we hold huge emphasis on our talent, prioritizing the right people are in the right roles. Strata managers are dedicated to their councils and communities."

Learn more about what makes us the #1 strata management company on our services page here.
 

So what’s next for strata living?

"Sustainability and smart tech. More EV infrastructure, greener buildings, and digital tools that make community living seamless. And with regulations tightening, professional management will be more important than ever."

Communities we serve

We’re proud to support communities across Metro Vancouver, including vibrant neighborhoods like Downtown Vancouver and the West End, family-focused enclaves in Langley such as Willoughby and Walnut Grove, and diverse communities in Surrey like Guildford and Cloverdale. Burnaby offers a mix of high-rise living in Metrotown and Brentwood alongside townhome developments. Each area presents unique needs—from luxury high-rises in Vancouver to growing townhome communities in Langley and mixed-use developments in Burnaby.
 

Why choose FirstService Residential

Managing a strata property is more than collecting fees—it’s about protecting investments and enhancing quality of life. FirstService Residential combines local expertise with national resources, offering advanced technology, 24/7 support, and proven processes. Our scale allows us to negotiate better vendor pricing and provide specialized services for townhomes, high-rises, and rental communities.

Learn more about our strata management services here.

Learn more about our rental management services here.
 

Hear real reviews from real clients:

"Linda was attentive and ensured paperwork was processed efficiently."

C.K., Vancouver

"Deanna and her team are diligent and highly professional."

A.L., Burnaby

"We have a very good Strata Manager and FSR is a very responsive company."

Board member in British Columbia

Interested in property or strata management in British Columbia? Contact FirstService Residential today to learn how we can support your property.