owners want information presented to them at lightning-fast speeds. Gone are the “good old days” when property managers would go from door to door dropping off notices and newsletters. The idea that “we need information right now, not yesterday” has become the mantra throughout the condo industry.

The paper tools that we once used for so many purposes have, by and large, given way to digital alternatives that we now use every day and take for granted. Yet many condominium corporations, and the property management companies that serve them, are still using paper bills and cheques to pay their suppliers.

ACMO wishes to recognize those managers who achieved their RCM designation this year and have demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and a higher standard of condominium management.

Smart Building Control Systems are generating a lot of buzz these days, with fancy terms like “cloud control,” “AI-driven,” and “carbon negative” to contemporize decades-old technology as the next fad for today’s condo owners. Digital devices have come a long way with technological capabilities and, more importantly, lower fees to purchase and maintain devices and software.

The City of Toronto’s Net-Zero Existing Buildings Strategy has set the stage for all existing buildings in Toronto to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by 2050. To reach this important goal, all existing buildings will have to be significantly transformed and retrofitted.

Certain etiquette associated with online communications has relaxed compared to just a few short years ago. It is essential to recognize the benefits as they can be applied to better manage condominium conflict.

The new regime gives the contractor and sub-contractors a method to ensure payment is made when it is rightfully due, without terminating the contract for non-payment and walking off-site.

In 2020, as the global pandemic began to take hold and limitations on in-person gatherings came into play, the question of how condominiums were going to hold their mandatory annual general meetings (AGMs) arose. Meetings of all types, across all different industries, quickly moved virtual, which became the obvious solution for condominium boards.

Have you heard the phrase “keyboard warriors”; a person who makes abusive or aggressive posts on the internet? Some of you may have experienced extreme frustration with someone anonymously attacking your professionalism, credibility, or even your character online. Maybe the attacks are not anonymous; perhaps someone is blatantly and publicly propagating lies about you from behind their computer screen. They are hurtful and constitute harassment; make no mistake about it.

How does digital communication affect condominium communities? Does it force the baby boomers away from the expectation of the dated paper notices delivered to their door? Must everyone have access to a computer or a smartphone to communicate effectively? Perhaps, there are ways of reaching a happy medium.

Social media has transformed the way we receive news, share messages and access information. It is fast, free and easy to use, making it an attractive platform for communications. However, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram aren’t always ideal for companies or corporations.

In this issue: The CAT Expands to Include Nuisance-Related Disputes, Promoting the Profession, Services and Trades at Your Fingertips, New ACMO Certificate
Program, Welcome New RCMs, and ACMO Award Winners.

Shining a light on an ACMO 2000 Certified Management Firm choosing to offer a higher standard of service to elevate their business.