Article from Volume 6, Issue Number 2, 2019

View Article PDF Back to Latest Issue

PRESIDENT AND CHAPTER REPORT - Spring 2019

By Maureen Hancharyk | Other articles by Maureen Hancharyk | Regular Column

In our last issue, we discussed some ideas to get ready for Spring. After a very slow start, spring is almost over as we anticipate summer. Summer in Manitoba is our reward for those long cold winters.

When I travel, I always let people know that despite our reputation, we probably have the nicest summers in the entire country. In fact, I have been known to express my utter dismay when people who do not live here call us “Winterpeg”. We are much more than our cold winters! This issue has a theme as well, Safety and Security. Wanting to still remain very positive about our beautiful province, it is clear that safety and security is an issue throughout our communities, our province, our country and indeed the world. 

In May of this year, our Education Committee held a Lunch and Learn on safety and security issues. Representatives from the Winnipeg Police Service attended and presented on the current state of crime, break-ins and safety issues in our city. They also highlighted several tips for condominium owners to assist us in making ourselves less vulnerable to crime and break-ins.

The focus of the presentation was to get the message out that we, as citizens play a key role in crime prevention. Our involvement in crime prevention programs is essential to ensuring that our communities remain vibrant and healthy and that we place a high priority on quality of life for all citizens. We can make a difference in our condominiums, our communities, our cities and our municipalities. In creating a safe and nurturing local environment, citizens are encouraged to observe and report any suspicious and possible criminal activities to the Police Service. Most importantly, Police advise that no one ever put themselves at serious risk and that our own personal safety is paramount, however, reporting and recording details of what we observe, alerting the authorities and reporting those details has proven to be a very effective crime prevention tool.

As a condominium owner and as President of our condominium corporation Board of Directors, I found the presentation very useful. Condominium owners can do so much to make their communities less vulnerable. How many of us let people into our buildings without ensuring who they are and if they have the right to be there?

How many of us drive into the parkade and not wait until the overhead door closes before proceeding? Have we removed all valuables from our vehicles, including fobs and garage door openers? Are all doors locked? Police report that 50% of breakins occur through unlocked doors. This includes doors to storage lockers, balconies, patio doors and entrances.

There are many other ways to improve our safety and security and make ourselves less vulnerable. I encourage you to raise the topic with owners and your Board of Directors and brainstorm ways to make your community safer.

Our next issue will include our year-end reports, as our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2019. I encourage all members to attend our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Assiniboine Park. It is going to be a great evening in a wonderful location with lots of fun events, door prizes, of course wine, and cheese. Please circle the date on your calendar and plan to be there.

Until next time, enjoy our beautiful Manitoba summer.

MAUREEN HANCHARYK, President
Manitoba Chapter