Condo Living

December 4, 2025 Published by South Alberta Chapter

Volunteers of The Year Award 2025

From the Fall 2025 issue of the CCI South Alberta CCI Review

PROUDLY PRESENTED TO:
Palace Royale’s Transformational Leaders: Margot McKinnon, Laura Le, and Ken Robertson

Each year, the Canadian Condominium Institute – South Alberta Chapter (CCISA) proudly recognizes volunteers whose leadership, generosity, and dedication strengthen their condominium communities. This year, CCISA is delighted to honour Margot McKinnon, Laura Le, and Ken Robertson of Palace Royale Condominium Corporation as the 2025 CCISA Volunteers of the Year.

The award was announced at CCISA’s Annual General Meeting on September 25, 2025 by Adrian Breitwieser. Although the winners were unable to attend, CCISA Vice President, Ryan Cole, will personally present the award to them at an upcoming meeting at Palace Royale Condominium.

What makes Margot, Laura, and Ken truly remarkable is how their volunteer spirit has inspired others. Their story, “From Fractured to Flourishing”, demonstrates that with courage, transparency, and heart, even the most divided community can heal and thrive. Capturing the essence of volunteerism: ordinary individuals leading with courage and compassion to create extraordinary change.

When Margot and Laura joined the Palace Royale Board in 2021, they faced a deeply divided community marked by mistrust and conflict. Instead of turning away, they leaned in—volunteering countless hours to rebuild their condominium’s culture and sense of belonging.

Soon joined by Ken, this dedicated trio—affectionately known as “The Three Amigos”—worked together to restore transparency, accountability, and respect. Their approach was grounded in empathy and fairness, proving that kindness can be a powerful leadership tool.

They fostered open communication, modelled integrity, and took a firm stance against bullying. Their steady and positive leadership helped residents rediscover what it means to live not just in the same building, but as part of the same community.

Their volunteer efforts extended far beyond governance. They reviewed every service contract to ensure quality, respect, and value; strengthened relationships with trusted partners; and set new standards for collaboration and care. They also rolled up their sleeves—painting, cleaning, restoring, and decorating common areas themselves. With creativity and resourcefulness, they revitalized the building’s mid-century charm while managing reserve fund projects at a fraction of the expected cost.

Equally important, they brought joy back to community life. From Stampede breakfasts and Christmas decorating parties to lobby wine tastings and newsletters, they replaced tension with togetherness. Neighbours who once kept to themselves now volunteer, share gratitude notes, and help maintain the property.

It is because of the “The Three Amigos” that Palace Royale is once again a place residents are proud to call home and why CCI South Alberta proudly recognize them as our 2025 Volunteers of the Year!

Congratulations!