Welcome to the initial article about the CCI Manitoba Management Advisory Committee. We're excited to share this initiative. Let's dive into what's been happening and how you can get involved.

CCI Manitoba held its very first Treasurers’ Forum on Aug. 23, recognizing the treasurer's role as one of the most difficult and demanding condo board positions. The session was attended by representatives from 37 condominium corporations. These representatives ranged in experience on their condo boards from three weeks to 11 years and included self-managed as well as professionally managed corporations.

Looking for an energy-efficient heating and cooling system? Air source heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling for condominiums and can reduce electric heating costs by up to 30%.  

This topic was raised by a member at CCI Manitoba’s Presidents’ Forum on April 11th, 2023, which pertained to an item in our Summer 2017 Newsletter that published a bulletin from the Fire Prevention Branch of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) which provided details on the new fire prevention by-law 35/2017.  Since its initial release, the by-law has been amended twice, once in 2021 (updates to penalties and enforcement in section 70) and once in 2022 (changes to Council Committee names). The new (and current)  by-law, 35/2017, replaces the prior by-law 150/2004

This is a recurring feature in our newsletter covering topics affecting condominium corporations (CCs) due to current or planned municipal or provincial legislation and regulations. While our recent focus has been on Winnipeg, primarily with respect to short-term rentals and waste diversion (recycling), if CCs in other municipalities are aware or concerned about similar matters where they live, please let us know, by sending an email to cci.mb.news@gmail.com.

CCI National Leaders Forum & Conference 

The National Leaders Forum (NLF) started at noon on Wed May 31st and ran until the end of the day Friday June 2nd. The National Conference was held on Saturday June 3rd. This article provides two accounts of the NLF & Conference from the perspective of two newbies (first time attending a NLF).

Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench: Smith v. Lehmann et al

One of the larger disputes that can arise between a Condominium Corporation and a unit owner stems from the financial responsibility of correcting deficiencies of a unit. The Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench made a ruling Smith v. Lehmann et al. that provided reinforcement to the balance of a unit owner’s duty under section 180(2) of The Condominium Act versus the rights of a Condominium Corporation under section 181.

There are seventeen Canadian Condominium Institute chapters across the country and each has a representative on the National Council. The Council meets virtually twice per year and in person at the National Leaders’ Forum.

When buying or selling a condominium, disclosure statements play a crucial role in providing the buyer with relevant information about the property and the condominium corporation. Two sources of information for prospective buyers and sellers are from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Canadian Condominium Institute.  Proper disclosure can also insulate both the seller and buyer from costly errors if disclosure is questioned.  

In this Market Insights bulletin, we consider a hot topic affecting all Canadians — inflation. We will look at how inflation relates to the increase in insurable values and how it can also influence the performance of the insurance industry.

Energy efficiency upgrades in condominiums not only increase the comfort level for condo owners, but also help them save money and the environment.

Efficiency Manitoba is a Crown corporation that helps Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment by offering programs and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. They offer a number of programs to property managers, owners, and condo boards that can help reduce energy bills in condominiums. These include their In-Suite Energy Efficiency Program and their In-Suite Appliance Program.

As real estate values have skyrocketed in the past five years, especially in Canada’s major cities, so too have cases of mortgage fraud. In fact, mortgage fraud has recently gained national media exposure from a series of news reports by the CBC. Picture this scenario: you have just returned to your Toronto condo after a lengthy sabbatical only to discover that your key doesn’t fit in your front door. You are then met by complete strangers, who believe themselves to be the rightful owner of your condo and have the legal documentation to prove it.