President's Report - Winter 2023 - CCI Manitoba Chapter

Article from Volume 10, Issue Number 1, 2023

President's Report - Winter 2023

By John Popowich | Other articles by John Popowich | Regular Column

Well, winter is well upon us and hopefully things are slowly getting back to normal. At CCI-Manitoba, we are back to in person Board meetings and Lunch n Learns. Let’s all hope the worst is behind us and we can get our lives back to the way they used to be (although we are now a few years older).

If you’ve been reading my reports, you know I love trains and this past November I got a chance to ride Via Rail from Montreal to Kingston for the National Leaders’ Forum and then returned a few days later. I have taken the train from Ottawa to Montreal a few times and from Winnipeg to Calgary, but this was my first return trip from Montreal to Kingston. Trains are just so much more comfortable than airplanes.

I went business class (which is only a few dollars more) and the experience is well worth the price. Check in at Gare Centrale in Montreal went very smoothly. As I arrived fairly early, I went straight to the business class lounge. Here, after check in, you can relax, have some beverages and snacks, watch television, read a magazine or spend your time on your cell phone. You can even nod off for a while if you like.

There is no need to watch closely for your boarding time, as it is announced and you are led to the escalator to your train. Your assigned seat is waiting for you and there is plenty of room for your luggage and other belongings. Once seated, you realize how comfortable it is, much more comfortable than an airplane. No cramped seating and plenty of room on the table and beside your seat to place whatever you brought with you.

The train moves forward quietly and seemingly without effort. If not for looking out the window, you would hardly know you were moving. For the first few minutes the view is unimpressive as you pass through the station and its yards. Then it opens up to the downtown view of Montreal, quite impressive. Passing the many tall buildings and smaller businesses, you really get a sense of how large and elaborate this city is.

I enjoyed sitting back with a drink watching the passing scenery. It’s mostly rural but still something to behold. Stops are made along the way at Dorval, Cornwall and Brockville.

Aside from drinks and snacks, you are given the choice of three meals. I chose the chicken on the way to Kingston and Manicotti on the return trip. Both were quite good albeit on the small side but that was okay with me. I am heading to Ottawa in February and will be taking the train to Montreal. I’m looking forward to that trip as well.

Here at CCI Manitoba, we are back to in person Lunch n Learns. We are using a new venue, “Smitty’s on Kenaston” and after our first lunch n learn at Smitty’s I believe it is going to be a huge success. The topic on November 17th was Climate Change & Construction with WSP putting on a wildly entertaining presentation. If you couldn’t attend, it should be up on our website very soon.

At the time of this writing, the next Lunch n Learn is scheduled for January 19th and the topic is Strategic Planning. It will probably be completed by the time this newsletter is issued, however, Nathalie Kleinschmit will walk us through the way strategic planning can be adopted by a condo board. I’ll be hosting the Lunch n Learn thistime, so I’m sure it went off without a hitch.

While you are on our website, be sure to check out our News Updates and upcoming events. You’ll find the next few Lunch n Learns noted and can make your plans accordingly. Lunch is at 11:30 with the presentation following at 12:30.

On a final note, our quarterly newsletter “Condominium News and Views” will be available only by PDF this time. With the rising costs of print, the board decided to release this edition in PDF format only. Let us know what you think and we’ll take all comments into consideration. We appreciate the feedback from our members andtake them all into consideration.

Until next time, stay safe and warm and I look forward to seeing you at the next Lunch n Learn.

JOHN POPOWICH, President CCI Manitoba Chapter