Articles

More amendments are coming to the Condominium Act, 1998 and they take effect on January 1, 2022. Like the modifications made in October of 2020, the new condo act changes see the jurisdiction of the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) once again expanding.

As a board member, one of your top responsibilities is to maintain and improve your community’s physical property. But it can be tricky to budget for new amenities like a dog park or gate houses, or shared, common-area assets that will need to be replaced or upgraded years down the line such as roofing or building facades.

Comprehensive training gives your property manager the tools they need to support your board and resident needs, while creating operational successes.

At FirstService Residential, our mission is to make a difference every day for communities like yours, serving as your partner in its management, evolution and enhancement. It’s rewarding work that is built on strong relationships, grounded in our deep local market knowledge and strong industry experience.

When your property begins the process of hiring a vendor, you want to ensure that you're making the best choice possible for your community's benefit. A good vendor will execute your vision on time and budget, whereas a not-so-good one can be the source of lousy quality, unexpected delays, inconvenience, and a whole lot of headaches!

Whether you have been newly elected to your Board or you have been a Board member for several years, you owe it to your residents to make sure that you are managed by the best property management company. Every condominium corporation differs in their needs, so you must take the proper time and ask the right questions when hiring a property management company.

As building managers begin property inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance. 
 

Most people who join the board of their condominium corporation aren’t experts. Rather, they are well-intentioned, dedicated volunteer-leaders who want to protect property values and ensure their community continues to be a great place to live. If you’re a new board member – or even a seasoned one – it’s important to get the training you need to govern effectively and address the issues you may face.

Your role as a board member involves a lot of communications. Whether it’s speaking with a board member or drafting up and email, you may be looking to learn or refine some communications skills.

Effective communication fosters better relationships among board members, your residents and property management company, and keeps all parties well informed. Here are the 4 components of a successful communication plan that create effective outreach to all members of your community.