President's Report - Fall 2025 - CCI Manitoba Chapter

Article from Volume 12, Issue Number 4, 2025

President's Report - Fall 2025

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

I’m stepping aside as president but will continue to support CCI

The theme of our last annual general meeting — Unlocking Potential, Growing Membership, and Strengthening Communities — truly reflected the spirit of the evening. It was my third time hosting the AGM as president and, if I may toot my own horn, the AGMs keep getting better! With more than 100 attendees, the room was full of energy and I heard nothing but positive feedback.

In addition to the excellent networking opportunities, great food and drinks, we were pleased to have several of our sponsors host information tables. Judging by the activity at the tables, members took full advantage of the chance to ask questions and gather resources.

This year’s guest speaker was Mintu Sandhu, Manitoba’s minister of public service delivery, who offered warm greetings and spoke about the condominium industry, emphasizing a willingness to work with CCI Manitoba to address key issues within our community.

We were also pleased to receive a video message from Leah Gazan, member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, who spoke about a petition she is sponsoring to allow condominiums to participate in national housing programs.

A highlight of the evening was presenting the Jane Lecours Volunteer Award to Georgette Horne of WCC 969. If you missed the award presentation, you missed hearing a very long — and impressive — list of her contributions. Georgette is the kind of person anyone would be lucky to have on their condo board.

With the departures of Alan Forbes, Patricia Salam and Kathleen Vandale from the Board of Directors, seven positions were open. I’m proud to announce that all positions have been filled, with five new directors joining us this year. Their enthusiasm for serving and participating on committees is already evident, and we’re looking forward to their contributions.

A personal note

This message also marks my final address as president. After three fulfilling years, I’ve made the decision to step aside and allow another board member to bring a fresh perspective to the role. I’ll remain on the Board of Directors and hope to chair a committee close to my heart. While I’ve enjoyed my time as president immensely, the role demands a significant time commitment — and with my own work and family obligations, I want to ensure the organization continues to receive the attention it deserves. I will continue to support the board as past president and will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition.

Condos and Cold Ones

In September, we hosted another edition of Condos and Cold Ones at Fionn MacCool’s on Grant. This informal networking event has become a member favourite — and with more than 85 attendees this year it was yet another huge success. I tried to connect with as many of you as I could and, as always, it was great to share ideas and hear your thoughts.

Looking ahead

I’m incredibly excited about the year ahead. Our committees are strong, motivated and already hard at work. Duane Rohne and the Government Relations Committee are forming a working group with the provincial government to address ongoing issues with the Condominium Act.

Lunch & learns are scheduled for the coming months, and we are expecting great things from the various forums (for condo presidents, condo treasurers and for property managers), the Marketing Committee, and others. With Alan Forbes’s departure, we will be looking for a new chair for the Newsletter Committee, which has an important role that helps keep our membership informed and connected.

Since my first involvement with CCI Manitoba, I’ve come to expect the best from this organization — and I’ve never been disappointed. I see no reason for that to change, and I look forward to all that’s ahead.

Please keep your ideas, suggestions and feedback coming. Let’s work together to make CCI Manitoba the best chapter in the country.

See you soon — and stay safe!

John Popowich is the past president of CCI Manitoba and a director of the condo corporation where he lives.

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