Article from Volume 9, Issue Number 2, 2022
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Vintage Social Media (aka News Briefs) - Spring 2022
By Alan Forbes | Other articles by Alan Forbes | Feature
While we will continue to publish our newsletter on a quarterly basis, we will supplement that communication with regular posts to our social media channels, with the intention of keeping you better informed. We have started to post updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Noting that not all of our members are on social media, here are some of our Tweets from the past three months. Think we should be more active on social media? - check out our help wanted ad on our bulletin board https://cci-manitoba.ca/resources/bulletin-board.
Who pays to clean up oil spills in condo garages?
This article is a case study of a condo corporation (CC) dealing with a unit owner whose vehicle was leaking oil onto their parking spot and who is responsible for the cleanup. The lesson learned is that CCs should exhaust all remedies and tools at their disposal before involving legal counsel to enforce rules and recover costs.
Ding dong! Your doorbell camera must come down
https://www.realestatemagazine.ca/ding-dong-your-doorbell-camera-must-come-down/
As a best practice, condo owners who wish to install security cameras should first check their corporation’s bylaws to see if this is permitted.
Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211124154118.htm
In the ongoing debate about which are better - morning people or night owls - this research paper highlights the eye-health benefits from morning sunshine. This article should be especially of interest to retiree condo owners, since the benefits are highlighted for those 40 and older.
March was fraud prevention month
There are some excellent resources out there to protect you from fraud, such as the Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) https://recognizeinvestmentfraud.com, the Provinicial 211 page https://mb.211.ca/march-fraud-prevention-month/ and the Federal Government's Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
Slam the Scam
Now that it is spring and tax time, it is useful to remind everyone that there are nefarious individuals wanting to separate you from your money. Note that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not accept payments via gift cards or Bitcoin.
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/cra-arc/migration/cra-arc/scrty/frdprvntn/prpdcc-eng.pdf
The Value of Redecorating
How appealing is your condo property to your current owners and residents, and also for potential buyers? There is value to be gained from redecorating and refreshing your common elements as highlighted in this article. https://newenglandcondo.com/article/the-value-of-redecorating
Regina condo corporation invests in bitcoin; experts warn of risks
If it was allowed in Manitoba (it isn't), would you consider it a wise or unwise investment decision to place a portion of your condo corporation's reserve fund in bitcoin? Apparently at least one Regina condo corporation thinks it is a wise decision. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-condo-bitcoin-investment-1.5953415
Condo Boards & Rules
Condo Boards have the responsibility to enforce their Corporation's rules effectively and consistently. See this recent enforcement example from Ontario. Does this look like seasonal patio furniture to you? https://dhacondolaw.ca/condo-law-news/the-cat-enforces-rule-permitting-only-seasonal-furniture-on-balconies/
Covid Trends
Are you a Covid optimist or pessimist? When do you think you can resume enjoying your condo common elements without worrying about getting sick? Check out this article from CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-wastewater-covid-wfpcbc-cbc-1.6327233
Keep your buildings maintained
Very pertinent topic for condo owners & directors from several perspectives. The collapse of Champlain Towers condo in Florida last summer is an extreme example, but this story is more pertinent to the Canadian market.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/condominum-toronto-owners-repairs-1.6323195
Alan Forbes
Chair, CCI MB Communications Committee
From Issue
Vol. 9, Issue 2, April 2022
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