Condominium boards are the backbone of residential communities. They juggle everything from budgets and bylaws to keeping the peace among neighbours, and while the role can be rewarding, it's far from risk-free.

Board meetings, in particular, are often pressure cookers where tempers can boil over. These gatherings aren't just for board members — they typically include property managers, too — creating a charged atmosphere where emotions can run high. And although owners are rare attendees at board meetings (they usually attend annual general meetings), it's not completely unheard of, adding to the powder keg of tension.

As security professionals, we've seen first-hand how crucial it is to prioritize safety and protect not only board meeting attendees but the integrity of the gatherings themselves.

The Risks of Serving on a Condo Board

Serving on a condo board often involves navigating contentious issues, such as budget disputes, renovation plans, and enforcement of community rules. These decisions inevitably affect the interests of residents, and not everyone will agree with the board's choices.

As highlighted in a panel discussion on TVO's The Agenda ("The Wild West of Condo Politics," January 20, 2025), the risks associated with condo board meetings are not hypothetical. Around the 25-minute mark of the discussion, panelists revealed that they had all experienced physical assaults during board meetings — an alarming but increasingly common occurrence.

These incidents often arise from a combination of factors, including emotional disputes where residents, deeply connected to their homes, may react strongly to decisions they perceive as unfair or harmful. Miscommunication or a lack of transparency can lead to mistrust toward board members, making them targets of hostility. The open nature of meetings can also sometimes involve participants facing mental health challenges or exhibiting erratic behaviour, further escalating tensions. These are just a few risks highlighting the critical need for robust security measures to protect board members and attendees.

The panelists in the discussion on The Agenda also emphasized a concerning trend: reduced professional security presence at condominium meetings over the past 20 years. Historically, having trained personnel at these meetings was standard practice, helping to maintain order and de-escalate potential conflicts. Today, this precaution has become rare, leaving board members increasingly vulnerable.

This decline may be due to cost-cutting measures or underestimating the risks involved. However, neglecting security at these gatherings places everyone in a potentially dangerous situation.

The Role of a Security Professional in Condo Board Meetings

The presence of a trained security professional at condominium board meetings can make a significant difference. Their role goes beyond physical protection — they serve as a deterrent to aggressive behaviour, an impartial observer, and an authority figure capable of intervening when situations escalate.

A security professional's skills allow them to identify early signs of conflict, stepping in to prevent verbal disputes from turning into physical altercations. As neutral mediators, their unbiased presence helps diffuse tensions and fosters a sense of fairness among participants. Through access control, they monitor entry points and attendance, keeping unauthorized individuals or those with a history of disruptive behaviour at bay. And in rare cases where a situation turns violent, these trained professionals are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of all involved.

Condominium boards and property managers should reassess their approach to safety, particularly during meetings. While budget constraints are often cited as a reason for reducing security presence, the cost of inaction — including legal liabilities, medical expenses, and reputational damage — can far exceed the price of preventive measures.

To reduce risks, boards can take practical steps to ensure smoother, safer meetings. Bringing in a professional security provider for gatherings where contentious issues arise helps maintain order and keep tensions in check. And training board members in conflict de-escalation and situational awareness gives them the tools to handle challenging situations more effectively.

Condominium boards bear the weight of significant responsibilities, and their members deserve a safe environment to serve their communities. Reintroducing professional security at board meetings is not a luxury — it's a necessity. As the panellists on The Agenda aptly demonstrated, the risks are real and cannot be ignored.

By taking proactive measures, property managers and boards can protect their members, foster a safer community atmosphere, and ensure that important decisions are made without fear or intimidation. Professional security guards play a crucial role in achieving this balance, providing peace of mind and safeguarding the integrity of condominium governance.

Winston Stewart is the President and CEO of Wincon Security, bring ing over 35 years of leadership in the security industry. A trusted authority in his field, he is a contributing writer for Canadian Security magazine and a sought-after speaker at industry events. Winston serves on the leadership team of the Association of Professional Secu rity Agencies and is Chair of the Board of Governors at Seneca Polytechnic, where he champions innovation in security services and community development. www. wincon-security.com 

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