Showing Articles from Issue 'Winter 2020'
COVID-19 – Impact on Management & Our Industry
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Vince Bennett, RCM
The on-set of the global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world like a bad dream at the beginning of 2020. As news and the virus spread worldwide, our communities started to shut down like a light switching off. Without any time to prepare or plan, services were ordered to shut down, businesses to close, and it seemed as though the world was placed on hold for most. This was not the case in the condominium industry.
Managing the Relationship Between the Manager, the Board, and the Owners
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Bogdan Alexe, RCM
Relationships are complicated. There are quite a few “ingredients” required for a relationship to be healthy and successful: respect, trust, honesty, compromise, communication and the list goes on. Relationships are dynamic and never stop evolving, and given they have so many “moving parts,” it is easy to understand how they need constant nurturing.
Up and Across: A summary of some of the differences in managing highrise and townhome condominiums
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Michael H. Clifton
Condominiums fall into a few broad categories. The Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”) recognizes leasehold and freehold, standard, vacant land, common elements, and phased, and there are other categories based on intended uses (e.g., commercial vs. residential) or design. Amongst residential condominiums, they can be broadly categorized as vertical (e.g., highrises) and horizontal (e.g., townhouses).
Congratulations! To the Graduating RCM Class of 2020
ACMO News
News and Previews || ACMO
ACMO wishes to recognize those members who achieved their RCM designation this year, and have demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and a higher standard of condominium management.
An Exercise in Perspective, Balance & Communications
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Josée Deslongchamps, RCM
My favourite catchphrases include: “We work where you live,” “competing priorities,” and “difficult conversations with passionately angry people.” All excellent ways to paraphrase the everyday challenges of condo management! The work of property management, specifically residential condominium management, can be challenging, especially during an anxiety-ridden worldwide pandemic.
Financial Transparency and Building Trust with Owners
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Maria Finoro, RCM
Before one can discuss how to build trust with condo owners, trust must first be established amongst the individual board members and then between the board and the property management company.
Overcoming Chargeback Hazards
Your Condo: Caselaw
Your Condo || J. Robert Gardiner
Chargeback claims against a unit owner often turn into a dispute unless clearly documented evidence and adherence to a set of chargeback procedures can convince the owner that the corporation’s claim is valid. Two recent cases highlight the need to take care.
Insurance Risk Management
Your Condo: Insurance
Your Condo || Teresa Girardin, RCM
With ever-rising insurance premiums on Condominium Corporation’s in Ontario, the best thing that Condominium Corporations can do is manage the risk. To keep premiums low, active risk management shows insurance carriers that the corporation is doing everything they can to avoid the need to file an insurance claim. Keeping owners informed and asking them to participate in mitigating these risks can help minimize insurance claims for both the corporation and the owners themselves.
An Owner’s Guide to the Declaration, By-laws and Condo Rules
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Laura (Glithero) Gurr
The condo corporation’s governing documents (the Declaration, By-laws and Rules) each serve a unique purpose. When operating well, these documents set the stage to allow the condo corporation to grow and adapt to any necessary changes. As an owner, understanding these documents will help you know how your condo corporation operates and what your role and responsibilities are within the condo corporation and the community.
The Impact of Governance and Management on Condominium Lifestyle
Condo Living: A Manager's Perspective
Feature || Vadim Koyen
Condo communities are often at the mercy of the board, which governs regulations and policies, and the property management companies who carry out the orders of the day. Collectively their job is to ensure the owners’ right to quiet enjoyment while also considering the type of lifestyle the condo community provides. When the two parties fail to manage the property effectively, its value, amenities, social aspects, and the residents’ lifestyle is negatively impacted.
Demand for a Greener Tomorrow Invites Condo Managers to Invest in Efficient Smart Tech
Your Condo: Technology
Your Condo || Brad Pilgrim
As climate changes, a building’s wellness and control become increasingly top-of-mind for managers, and multi-residential buildings (condos, especially) offer an untapped opportunity to become a sustainability leader.
RCM Profile
Jamie Poodry
RCM Profiles || Jamie Poodry, RCM
Shining the light on those in the condominium management profession.
RCM Profile
Kelly Halkett
RCM Profiles || Kelly Halkett, RCM
Shining the light on those in the condominium management profession.
Snapshot
A quick glance at what’s happening with ACMO and the condominium industry.
News and Previews || Tracey Doherty
In this issue: ACMO Hosts its First Virtual Luncheon, The New RCM Registry, Amendments to The Condo Act Relating to a Condo Guide, and the Services and Trades at your Fingertips.
The Back Page
ACMO Condominium Management Awards 2020
The Back Page || Tracey Doherty
Each year, ACMO honours exceptional achievements in the condominium industry with its annual awards of excellence.