Purchasing/Living in a Condominium
May, 12 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Maggie Matian
Reflections of a Condominium Owner – with Kathleen Schrumm
A condo owner of 27 years, Kathleen Schrumm reflects on her thoughts on being in the condominium industry.
Board of Directors and Meetings
May, 5 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Maggie Matian
Preparing For Your Annual General Meeting
Preparing for your condominium’s Annual General Meeting can cause a lot of stress for your management company, board, and unit owners if your past meetings have not gone so smoothly.
Purchasing/Living in a Condominium
April, 28 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Corey Sargeant
Helpful Resources for Condominium Owners
When an owner has a question related to their condominium and/or condominium living in general, their first instinct is to likely seek out an answer for themselves.
Common Issues
April, 14 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Tianna Brown
How to Maximize Networking Opportunities at Tradeshows and Conferences
In professional services, it is so important to build a network. Whether you’re fresh out of the gate or a well-seasoned expert, your network is your business lifeline. The challenge is… how do you build it?
Purchasing/Living in a Condominium
April, 7 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Maggie Matian
The Pros and Cons of Condo Living
Investing in a condo may seem like the right choice because of the price, but what really are the pros and cons of condo living?
Financial Matters
March, 31 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Mike McGinnis
Getting Personal With Your Tax Filing
Personal tax season is approaching quickly! We wanted to provide a general guide on how to get ready for submitting your income taxes.
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
March, 24 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Maggie Matian
The “Shoulda, Coulda, Wouldas” of Condominium Repairs
By a show of hands, how many of us have ignored a simple repair, only for it to become a large, complicated pain later on?
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
March, 17 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Andrew Westrik
SPRING FORWARD – in Your Condominium Landscaping!
It’s March! With the first real warm rays of spring about to caress our faces, our thoughts turn to the warm days of summer and once again enjoying the outdoors!
Board of Directors and Meetings
March, 10 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
5 Tips to Keep Your Virtual Meetings Productive
Whether it be a virtual meeting, conference, or webinar, either can be tough to get through while keeping them productive. Being behind a screen for the last couple years has taken away any excitement that was left behind the simplicity of virtual meetings.
Common Issues
March, 3 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Going Electric: Electric Vehicles in Condominiums
Do you have an electric vehicle, or would you like to get an electric vehicle, and are wondering how to charge that electric vehicle at your condominium? Electric vehicles are becoming more and more common, and that is fantastic news for the environment. But is your condominium equipped to deal with this change?
Common Issues
February, 23 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Where Does Social Media Take Your Condominium?
Social media is an ever-evolving beast. Once you get comfortable with one algorithm, there have since been five updates, and a new sub-app that everyone is telling you to use. It’s understandable that most find themselves wanting to pull their hair out once tasked with social media managing. This can be especially frustrating if you are already overwhelmed should anyone utter “social media” around you.
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
February, 16 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Water Damage and Where it Starts
“Water, water everywhere,” is not what you want to be thinking as you’re standing in the living room of a townhouse condominium unit or peering into the lobby of a high-rise. Water inside any attached housing structure means likely damage – furnishings and fixtures, floors and walls; it also means the possibility of rotting wood and mold risks; it means potential liability, and that something has gone terribly wrong.
Specific Legal Issues
February, 10 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Unit Owners’ Responsibility for their Occupants:
December 2021, York C.C. No 188 v. Caudhry, et al, 2021 ONSC 7027; & York Region C.C. No. 794 v. Watson, et al, 2021 ONSC 6574
Specific Legal Issues
February, 3 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Nuisances, Annoyances, or Disruptions? Take it up with the CAT
On September 23, 2021, the Ontario Government announced that the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) would have its jurisdiction expanded again in 2022. As a recap, its jurisdiction was originally limited to disputes related to record requests when it first opened its doors on November 1, 2017....
Financial Matters
January, 20 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Budgeting: Should Last Year’s Surplus Be Used to Fund a Pet Sanctuary?
It’s that time of year again for the Annual General Meeting and the process of forming next year’s budget. The auditor happily noted that the condominium had a growing surplus in both accounts. A golden retriever with a goofy grin ran onto the stage. His owner read a flyer that showed the benefits of having a pet sanctuary.
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
January, 13 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Jordan Swail
Winter Window Condensation
Around this time of year, many condominium owners, directors, and managers ask us: why are my windows dripping with water? Condensation is a common issue for older condominium windows and even some new windows. Here are some tips to better deal with condensation:
Board of Directors and Meetings
January, 6 2022 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Jamie Poodry
Smooth Transitions: Making the Move Between Management Companies Seamless
As condominium managers, we have all been there – your relationship with a condominium community comes to an end. This can happen for any number of reasons – financial difficulties, personality conflicts, board unrest or lack of trust, to name a few – but no matter the reason, you will find yourself in the position of having to hand over a (preferably neat and organized) package of information to the
Common Issues
December, 16 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Laurie Reed
Tech Savvy Condos
Sustainable, Smart, Eco Friendly and Ahead of the Class
What do you think about when you think technology? Most likely your thoughts immediately go to smartphones or computers. But do your thoughts ever travel to Condominium Living?
Board of Directors and Meetings
December, 9 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Wayne Haves
Wait a Minute – What is the Deal with Minutes?
We have all been there – an important meeting where issues are raised, debated and decisions made. That is the substance of the meeting but you cannot overlook the importance of the minutes of those meetings. That written summary of the meeting will live on as a reference document that many stakeholders will rely on to verify what took place.
Specific Legal Issues
December, 2 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Victor Yee
Winter Is Coming: Ready Your Condo’s Noise And Other Nuisance Enforcements
On September 23rd 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (the “MGCS”) announced that as of January 1st 2022, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (the “CAT”) will have the jurisdiction to hear condominium disputes regarding noise, odour, smoke, vapour, light, or vibration (collectively, “NOSVLV” disputes).
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
November, 25 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Henry J. Jansen
The Challenge of Aging Buildings
The Surfside collapse and the resulting loss of life is tragic. In addition to dealing with the far-reaching impact of that collapse, many occupants, owners, and managers of most buildings are now asking whether something similar could happen to their building.
Board of Directors and Meetings
November, 18 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Sara Hicks
Positive Communication: Email Edition
If you partake with the internet (and if you are reading this, you do at least dabble) then you have no doubt come across unpleasant online exchanges in some capacity.
Common Issues
November, 11 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Back by popular demand, we have more Condo Memoirs!
These Memoirs give members a chance to anonymously share their most unbelievable stories. Read on for a glimpse into the adventures of condominium living.
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
November, 4 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Surviving the Cold – Winter Construction: EIFS
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over. Wait a minute – contractors are still working? There’s no way they should be installing EIFS in this cold, right?
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
October, 28 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Surviving the Cold – Winter Construction: Concrete
It’s that time of year again, the days are shorter, the temperature is cooler, and construction season is finally over. Wait a minute – contractors are still working? There’s no way they should be placing concrete in this cold, right?
Property Management Issues
October, 21 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Why Integrity Matters More in the Age of a Pandemic
Like anyone, Property Managers make mistakes. Owning it and making amends for it is more important in these strange and challenging times than ever before. In a time where information seems to be constantly changing and sometimes contradicting itself...
Financial Matters
October, 14 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Who’s responsible for preparing your condominium's financial statements?
Most condominium corporations in Ontario have an audit completed annually and the resulting financial statements are provided to owners. But what about those condos that have less than 25 units and have waived the audit - do they still have to provide financial statements to the owners? The answer is...
Specific Legal Issues
October, 7 2021 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Decisions from the CAT: Policies Are Not Rules
Boodram v. Peel Standard Condominium Corporation No. 843, 2021 ONCAT 31 Introduction: In Boodram v. Peel Standard Condominium Corporation No. 843, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (the “CAT”) discussed the difference between: (1) ‘rules,’ and (2) ‘policies’ in the enforcement context.
Common Issues
June, 23 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Virtual Meetings
Michelle Kelly discusses expectations surrounding the Annual General Meeting, and the emergency orders that temporarily allow for Virtual Meetings.
COVID-19
May, 28 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Robert Mullin
Liening Units
Robert Mullin discusses whether or not a Condominium should issues liens for arrears during COVID 19.
Specific Legal Issues
May, 28 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Annie Bailey
Ontario Condo Q & A: Changes at the Tribunal and Tarion
Will the Condominium Authority Tribunal of Ontario broaden the type of disputes it hears? Tarion now requires an information sheet be provided with pre-construction condominium purchase agreements – what is this new information sheet and why do we have it?
COVID-19
May, 21 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Shalon Seebach
Finances and Government Assistance Programs
Shalon Seebach discusses how to manage a Condominium's cash flow during COVID 19.
Specific Legal Issues
May, 16 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Liening Condominium Units
Robert Mullin discusses whether or not a Condominium should issues liens for arrears during COVID 19.
Purchasing/Living in a Condominium
May, 14 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Henry J. Jansen
Consumer Protection – Home Warranties
Changes are coming to Tarion. An insider reports that by the end of 2020, the new home warranty provider and new home builder regulator will be 2 separate organizations.
COVID-19
May, 14 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Mark Willis-O'Connor
What to do if a Resident Tests Positive | Navigating COVID-19 in Condominiums
Mark Willis-O'Connor discusses the procedure if someone in your Condominium Corporation tests positive for COVID 19
Property Management Issues
May, 7 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): SARA HICKS
A Day in the Life of a Property Manager
What do you think of when you hear ‘property manager?’ When people ask me what I do for a living, and ‘property manager’ is my response, I am usually met by a blank stare...
COVID-19
May, 7 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Leigh Merswolke
Cleaning Protocols | Navigating COVID-19 in Condominiums
Leigh Merswolke discusses the best cleaning practices for COVID-19.
COVID-19
April, 30 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Brad Wells
Don't Stop, Keep Planning!
Brad Wells discusses how to continue productivity during this pandemic.
COVID-19
April, 23 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Mark Willis-O'Connor
Q & A – The Impact of COVID-19 for Condominiums
This article tackles a few frequently asked questions about the impact of COVID-19 for condominiums.
COVID-19
April, 16 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Shalon Seebach, BBS
Condo Finances and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is something no one could have predicted or budgeted for, and we are all struggling in one way or another...
COVID-19
March, 26 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Robert Mullin, BA(Hons.), LL.B., LL.M., ACCI, and Christopher Mendes, B.A.(Hons), M.A., J.D
COVID-19 & Condos
As COVID-19 continues to take its toll, what does this mean for condominiums as monthly common element fees continue to become due? Are the lien procedures in the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”) still viable?
Specific Legal Issues
February, 27 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): MICHELLE KELLY, B. Comm, LL.B
Defamation and Harassment in Condominiums
“If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all” Michelle Kelly, B.Comm., LL.B., ACCI Robson Carpenter LLP
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
January, 16 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Brad Roy
The “Panes” of Keeping Warm in the Winter
Is your unit experiencing heat loss during the winter? Check out an expert’s tips for preserving comfortable temperatures in your unit.
Financial Matters
January, 2 2020 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Gwen Story, B.Com (Hons), CPA, CGA
Your Condominium Investment – The Auditor’s Role
Do you need an audit of your financial statements? Find out what you need to know when selecting a financial statement auditor.
Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
November, 28 2019 - Published by Grand River Chapter - Author(s): Henry J. Jansen, P.Eng., ACCI
The Case of the Moldy Dog
Outbreak of mould at a condo complex. Where did it come from? Now what do we do?
Environmental/Utilities Issues
November, 7 2019 - Published by Grand River Chapter
Changes to Condo Hydro Rebates
The Ontario Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines recently announced the introduction of the new Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) effective November 1, 2019. Learn how your condominium and/or small business may be affected by this change.
Common Issues
April, 29 2019 - Published by Grand River Chapter
CCI Grand River - Condo News - Spring 2019
The Condo News is an award winning quarterly magazine jointly produced by the Grand River and Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
Common Issues
February, 15 2019 - Published by Grand River Chapter
CCI Grand River - Condo News - Winter 2019
The Condo News is an award winning quarterly magazine jointly produced by the Grand River and Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
Common Issues
October, 24 2018 - Published by Grand River Chapter
CCI Grand River - Condo News - Fall 2018
The Condo News is an award winning quarterly magazine jointly produced by the Grand River and Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
Common Issues
August, 10 2018 - Published by Grand River Chapter
CCI Grand River - Condo News - Summer 2018
The Condo News is an award winning quarterly magazine jointly produced by the Grand River and Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
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