I've been really fortunate to be able to talk to a lot of condo owners in the last couple of weeks - it seems we are all experiencing many of the same problems and while they many of these issues seem small they are not small at all. What they are...are symptoms of a larger problem with condo boards of directors and the property managers.
I can't tell you how many people I've spoken to have been denied access to the names of their board of directors. Why? Who thinks this is okay? The board of directors whether duly elected or elected by the first to put your hand up method not to be confused with first past the post electoral system is not really a legitimate way to elect a board of directors at all so if this is how your board is elected - well you got even bigger problems. The condo act clearly states that owners vote for their board of directors. If you aren't voting for your board of directors you don't really have a legitimate board you have a hand picked board. A board of directors serves it's owners they are making decisions, governing and using owners money from the corporation owned by everyone in the building. Let me say that again....everyone is an owner in the building we all have the same rights. The names of the board is not a secret, its not private the information is supposed to be filed at Land Titles which means anyone in the public can get access to it but owners in the corporation are denied that information from the board or the property manager? It's shocking, it's outrageous and it's ridiculous. You are an owner in the corporation and you are denied the knowledge and information on who is governing and managing the building you own? I can't believe anyone thinks this is okay. Whether this occurs because the board specifically denies the owner the information or the property manager is too lazy and can't be bothered to provide the information is irrelevant. I saw a reply somewhere where someone replied saying "not sure if the board is required to provide this information in the bylaws or act". Well let me just preface and say that's a fair comment. Is it written anywhere? No, its not probably not written anywhere, it's not listed in any rule book because it's common sense. It's common sense that after an AGM the board would send an email to every owner informing them of the names of the newly formed board of directors. Do you know who is representing you in the Legislature? Do you know who is on the health board? Of course you do because we live in a democracy! That's how it's supposed to work! Every owner should be provided with the names of the board of directors in their condo corporation. Every owner has a right to know the names of their board of directors. In fact, I'll go one step further, every owner should not only know the names of their board they should know the qualifications and experience of the members of board of directors. Every owner has a right to know who is governing and managing their building.
The other shocking issue I've come across is the board or property manager not providing bylaws or condo documents. This is pretty basic and really beyond imaginable that your board or property manager can't find the time to send the required condo documents or don't have copies. Red flag anyone....... for any new owner this is a red flag that has burst into flames and owners need to be aware. If you decide to buy a unit where this occurred you need to start pushing for reform right away because these small issues are symptoms of a much larger issues with the board and your property manager. At the end of the day it seems there are too many property manager s that will try get away with the least amount of work and if the board accepts this standard then your only recourse is to replace the board with members who are willing to hold the property manager accountable.
These two issues are symptoms because they are part of a much larger problem we are encountering in condo corporations. The fundamental problem is the misunderstanding or lack of understanding of how a condo board is supposed to operate. The reasons, the intent of a condo board has been lost. A condo board very much like a school board or a health board or any other type of board is an arm of the democratic system. The board represents the owners of the condo corporation. They are there at the will of the owners just like any other elected official in a democratic system. Boards are not entities unto themselves to make decisions on what they want. Boards do not make decisions on their interests. They make decisions on issues the owners have voted on and discussed. Boards should always be consulting their owners on decisions and events and what they are involved in because it's everyone's building. It's much easier to put your hand up before your neighbor and serve on the board and never tell the owners anything, make decisions and do what you want when you want to do it. I'm not one of those people that defend boards saying....well remember they are volunteers because I say if you don't have the time then don't be on the board. If you can't be open, transparent and democratic then stay home and find another hobby. If it's too much trouble for boards to behave ethically and democratically they need to find other ways to fill their time because this behavior leads to the deterioration of a building and does not contribute to developing inclusive condo communities.
If your board exhibits any of this type of behavior then give us a call to discuss your options! Have a great day and don't forget to say hi and smile to the next neighbor you run into in your building!
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