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We will all need a measure of patience as we navigate changes related to the pandemic. Communications may move at a pace that’s different than we’re used to. As always, the best policy is to assume positive intentions from others, listen carefully and respond professionally.

Lights, candles and wreaths, oh my! The most decorated season of the year is arriving, with celebrations from many cultures and faiths coinciding in the next few months. For condo communities, the desire to deck the halls can clash with the rules of the corporation. Follow these tips to maintain a festive community without décor running amok.

As strata managers begin their inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community.

You want your strata to be successful. All council members do. You know that means watching the finances carefully and maintaining the property. But do you think about effective strata council communication as an ingredient in your recipe for success? It is!

If you think hackers have little interest in your strata corporation’s data, think again. As a small business, your strata may actually be at greater risk of a cyberattack than ever before.

2020 events are continuing to affect corporation budgets. Increased expenses, late corporation dues and other issues are impacting a lot of communities. Has it affected your budget?

While every strata corporation has its own unique needs, and every strata management company has a unique way of serving them, there are a handful of qualities that any great company should have. And if they don’t, steer clear.

Safeguarding a strata corporation’s operating and reserve funds is one of the main fiduciary duties of all board members, not just the treasurer. This means strata councils must protect the financial interests of the strata corporation and its members.

Your strata council is working on next year’s budget. You know how important the budget is, what it means to the future of your strata. You know that your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment you make to your fellow homeowners. And you’ve planned , and figured, and followed all the budgeting steps , but you’re still staring at the one thing NO strata council wants to do: an increase in strata fees. Before finalizing that increase, take a long, hard look at cost containment strategies that can save your strata money and help optimize your operating budget.

As a homeowner, you want to live in a place that accentuates your style – from a beautiful sense of arrival or exquisitely decorated building lobby, complete with freshly pruned trees and lush landscaping – but unless your strata council has strategically planned out your strata’s budget, you can forget all of that.

It takes a lot to build a great community. You need committed residents, a dedicated strata council, and a clear understanding of everybody's roles and responsibilities.

What makes a community a great place to live? A lot goes into it, but it’s no secret that often depends on community engagement.

It’s that wonderful time of year! Many of us are shopping online to get that perfect gift for our loved ones. And, for those doing last-minute shopping, we don’t want to have to worry that something will go wrong with our deliveries.

Strata corporations need to have policies in place to function well. However, if you create new rules without adequately considering all their potential effects, or if you don't enforce them properly, things can go awry. Follow these tips when creating strata policies to avoid creating problems within the community.

Condo living has its perks: amazing urban locations close to public transportation, being part of a community without having to do yard work or home maintenance, enjoying amenities like fitness centres, party lounges and pools at your doorstep. Just don’t forget that those perks come at a price – a monthly strata fee. What are strata fees and how are they determined?

Not all strata managers have what they need to give you great service. Learn what it takes to be a great strata manager.

The Canadian Senate passed Bill C-45, known as the ‘Cannabis Act’, in June 2018 which legalized the recreational use of cannabis across Canada. The first G-7 country to do so! When Bill-C45 goes into effect on October 17 th , Canadians will be able to purchase, consume and grow cannabis as well as make cannabis-containing products at home, such as food and drinks.

To set you and your association up for success, we’ve pulled together a list of common board blunders and included some practical tips for avoiding them. If you can identify these early, you may save yourself (and your board) from a lot of frustration.

If you are an HOA or community association board member, the task in front of you might seem a little overwhelming. Consider the following 10 helpful hints for new and current board members to help make your term fruitful, rewarding and, most of all, effective. Use these tips to become a trusted, reliable member of your community.

As a board member you invest your time, talent and passion to make decisions for the betterment of your community. While we all strive for perfection in our roles, mistakes are bound to happen. A good community association management company works closely with thousands of board members and has seen it all. Here are four common mistakes and suggestions on avoiding them.

How do you resolve community conflict, avoid costly and time-intensive litigation and maintain a great resident experience? Use these three methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to keep the peace.

Did you know that your level of knowledge as an association board member can have a direct impact on your community’s property values? Learn how your education can help you excel at your role and enhance your community.

Being part of a Homeowners Association is rewarding – yet it can also be challenging at times. Board members are often tasked with difficult duties ranging from proper financial stewardship to navigating community conflicts, and much more.

Is your association really prepared for an emergency? Learn how to develop an HOA emergency preparedness plan in 8 steps.