Condo Living

March 20, 2026 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Chris Poland

Definition of Dedication

From the Winter/Spring 2026 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

In a world where time is increasingly viewed as a luxury, finding individuals willing to donate their most valuable asset—time—to a cause they genuinely care about has become more challenging.

Joan Marshall’s dedication to her community has been unwavering since 1978, when she first volunteered as a member of the Board of Directors for the Peel Condominium Corporation (PCC 135). A proud original owner in the community, she quickly joined the Board as a director and was elected Board President in 1980. Over the years, Joan has been instrumental in guiding her community through numerous challenges. Reflecting on her decision to join the Board, she once shared that she wanted to “give life to our homes” and felt “proud to represent the people of the community.”

For many years, Joan was the only woman on the Board. She admitted feeling “scared out of my mind” initially, but soon realized, “I’m as smart as they are.” This sense of empowerment helped her persevere and contribute meaningfully to the team.

When discussing the importance of continuity between directors and management, Joan emphasized how it fostered trust and understanding within the community. She noted that everyone became familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, creating an environment where honesty and openness thrived. “It worked because we were on the same page and shared the same vision,” Joan explained.

Joan was proud of the Board’s many successes during her tenure. One significant accomplishment was convincing the city to build a pathway from the Corporation to Applewood Park, making it easier for families to access the park's amenities. She also ensured that she and at least one other director attended various educational sessions, whether hosted by their management company, city agencies, or CCI. These sessions helped the Board stay informed about government regulations and develop crucial skills, such as how to manage difficult residents. But Joan's fondest memory was organizing a community barbecue in the Corporation’s early years. The event featured the mayor, a police car, a fire truck, and an ambulance to entertain the children, who decorated their bikes and paraded. “It took a lot of work, but it was a glorious time to see everyone come out,” Joan recalled.

Joan also reflected on some of the challenges she faced during her time on the Board. One of the most difficult moments was dealing with the aftermath of the major train derailment in November 1979, later known as the “Mississauga Miracle.” Joan helped emergency personnel go door-to-door, urging residents to evacuate for their safety. They were out of their homes for three to four days. Additionally, Joan expressed how hard it has been to witness the passing of former directors and neighbours over the years. She made it a point to attend every funeral or memorial service she could, feeling it was her duty to represent the community and Board.

As she looks back on her 45 years of service, Joan offers this advice to anyone considering joining their community's Board of Directors:

"It’s an honour and responsibility to contribute to the development of your neighbourhood, and everyone should get involved if they are able. You have the power to influence decisions that affect you, whether you’re on the Board or not."

Now that she has passed the torch to new directors, Joan is looking forward to spending her free time in a new capacity. She has already joined another Board through her church and is eager to bring her wealth of experience and knowledge gained over the past 45 years to this new community.

Joan’s remarkable dedication to her community over the past 45 years serves as an inspiring example of selflessness and leadership. Though she has moved on from her role on the Board, her influence and contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the community for years to come. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they dedicate their time and talents to a cause they believe in. As she embarks on her next chapter, Joan’s unwavering passion for service remains a beacon for others who may one day follow in her footsteps.