Rooftop generators: The Grange spent zero upfront capital for what is, essentially, its own mini power plant that provides unlimited backup power and greener electricity, without the burden of ownership or maintenance.

Regular attendees of condo board meetings will know about climate change. Mounting energy bills and maintenance repairs are often bandied about, offering a glimpse of life on the environmental rollercoaster that’s barreling forward.

Anne Burgoon, RCM points out that creative landscaping helps direct water away from townhouse foundations.

Did you know utility costs are the largest variable expense condominium managers can influence? Energy efficiency retrofits can help you reduce them significantly, but many condo managers hesitate to undertake them. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and how to plan your own retrofit project.

With climate change increasing weather variability and associated risks, many people recognize the need to adapt to a new reality. More frequent and less predictable weather events make buildings vulnerable to damage and financial loss. 

A new regulation under the Green Energy Act will require condominium corporations in buildings that are at least 50,000 square feet and have more than 10 units to report on their energy and water use.

In the early 1800s, highrises began to be built around the world. However, people found the doors nearly impossible to open because they seemed to be stuck to the building. The solution was to replace the conventional doors with revolving doors. 

We are seeing an increase in residents who are struggling with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other ailments that require specialized care. Managers have the additional challenge of finding the balance of being helpful versus intrusive, and also managing the needs of the entire building versus for a few whose needs may take a lot of time.

The role of a property manager is not the typical 9 to 5 workday – it’s a lifestyle. There are office hours to be filled, managing the physical building, keeping expenditures under budget but still ensuring everything is maintained while dealing with difficult residents and creating a community you are proud to serve and be a part of.

It’s been said more than once that the job of a condominium director is a thankless one. Often, the same can be said for condominium property managers, despite getting paid; and the tasks and duties of managers keep piling up (or what might feel more like piling on).

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, “gentrification” is defined as “the process of renewing and rebuilding accompanying an influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.” Perhaps the most familiar example of gentrification is your typical urban, lower-income neighbourhood.

Property managers often find themselves in a unique position when conflict emerges in a condominium. As the primary contact for resident and owner concerns and the liaison to the board, management is often thrust smack in the middle of conflict – from the early stages all the way to mediation, arbitration or court.

Condominium managers are responsible for managing a variety of life basics within the condominium communities they manage. But what about the manager’s well-being? We asked RCMs from across Ontario to tell us how they manage their own lives and what techniques they use, if any, to de-stress after leaving a long day at the management office.

The ways in which Canadians shop are changing. Consumers can now shop online from anywhere, find exactly what they are looking for and take advantage of rapid shipping for a nominal fee. Whether it is for food, small electronics or large furniture, online shopping is expected to continue to grow, potentially creating a delivery package overload at a building’s concierge desk if not managed correctly.

The focus of this edition of CM magazine is Managing Life. And for two managers this means fighting the good fight on behalf of their boards, residents and owners. Two managers have recently been in the news for their efforts to effect change.