Posted on May 13, 2010 by Chris Jaglowitz

Recap of 2010 PM Expo Springfest presentation

Like most people attending PM Expo Springfest at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on April 28, I was a little surprised by the strong police presence both outside and inside the facility. It turns out that the extra security was for the Barrick Gold shareholders’ meeting taking place that morning in the conference hall next to ours.

Anyhow, there was an excellent turnout of over 1,500 property managers and condo directors, all of whom probably felt much safer knowing that this huge police detachment could probably protect us from any unhappy condo unit owners ready to riot over the carpet pattern chosen for the corridor refurbishment project in their buildings.

I was lucky to sit on an all-star panel sponsored by CCI-Toronto to talk about “What’s Right and What Needs Improvement in the World of Condos” from the perspectives of four different segments of the condo industry. Here’s a recap of some key takeaway points from the speakers:

 The property manager: Dean McCabe, Regional Manager at Brookfield Residential

  • Social media can enhance communication and transparency at your condo
  • Condo concierges must now comply with security guard regulations
  • Revision to Toronto waste levy may allow for better price comparison with private providers 
  • Hiring staff vs. contractors: pros and cons to each

The lawyer: Chris Jaglowitz, Lawyer at Gardiner Miller Arnold

  • Proposed changes to Tarion claim process includes new time limits and monetary caps
  • Workplace violence and harassment law comes into force June 15, 2010. Get ready!

The engineer: Sally Thompson, Group Leader at Halsall Associates

  • The real impact of HST: Average 5% increase for reserve fund, about 5-7% for operating
  • Consider including copper pipes as a deficiency item in condo performance audits

The insurance broker: Mark Shedden, VP at Atrens-Counsel Insurance Brokers:

  • Past year was bad for claims and capacity - Premiums/deductibles are on the rise
  • $2,500 is now standard deductible for most claims. $5K on the horizon
  • $75,000 deductible for water claims in large buildings now coming to the scene
  • Look into “condo providers liability insurance” as a low cost way to cover off potential risks from social events or activities

A PDF copy of our entire PowerPoint presentation is available for download here.

Cheers to Pam Boyce at Brookfield for moderating this panel and thanks to everyone who came to our presentation.   If you weren't able to join us, make it a point to attend PM Expo on December 1-3, 2010 and plan to visit Springfest next year!
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Posted on November 2, 2009 by Chris Jaglowitz

Education is often the key to solving condo problems

Most problems facing condominium corporations are either created or made more complicated by the simple fact that owners or directors (sometimes both) lack basic knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of the various stakeholders in the condo community.

This obstacle can be partly overcome in a number of ways. Here are four:

First, your corporation should engage the services of a professional property management firm. One of the main functions of any reputable management firm is to direct their collective skill, knowledge and experience to solving a host of problems or disputes in a condominium setting. In selecting a management firm, start with those that have earned or are working towards the ACMO 2000 certification. This designation is conceptually similar to the well-known ISO-9001 certification and consists of measurable minimum standards of performance and service. The ACMO 2000 certification is administered by the Condominium Management Standards Council at the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (“ACMO”).

Second, insist that your on-site manager possess or be working towards the Registered Condominium Manager (“RCM”) designation. This designation, administered by ACMO, is granted to individuals who have achieved a minimum two years’ experience in condominium property management and have successfully completed a comprehensive educational program covering administration, condo law, physical building management and financial planning. The condo board is often only as knowledgeable as its front-line manager. Make sure yours is well-qualified.

Third, your corporation and unit owners can (and should!) take advantage of the excellent educational courses offered by your local chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute. Here in Toronto, the local CCI chapter has a full slate of courses of various lengths on a number of practical topics for condo directors, owners and even prospective purchasers. It would be ideal for every condominium director and owner to take some of these courses.   The small cost of these courses is insignificant when you consider the fact that most condominiums are million-dollar operations that directly and significantly impact the lives of their unit owners.  

Fourth, managers, directors and owners should consider and explore other educational opportunities, such as:

Having professional management and a well-educated board and membership will go a long way towards avoiding or minimizing the most commonly encountered disputes and problems.  
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Posted on December 5, 2008 by Chris Jaglowitz

From PM Expo: Tips on water damage and mould growth

Daily Commercial News reports on the swag being distributed by more than 1100 exhibitors at PM Expo and shares some of the sights and scenes of the show, which ends at 1 p.m. today.   Last call!

Dozens of seminars and workshops informed and educated hundreds of people over the past two days.   I was one of many  in attendance for the "Mould, Moisture and Related Building Envelope Failures" workshop given by Bruce Stewart and Phil Brearton of Pinchin Environmental.   A handful of their many excellent points included:

  • Municipalities are now required to inspect a building if notified by police that the building housed a marijuana grow-op (which are notorious for causing ruinous mould infestations);
  • In 2004, the Canadian Construction Association developed and published guidelines for dealing with mould in various stages and circumstances, including initial construction of buildings and in remediating subsequent infestations -- worth being aware of;
  • A maintenance tip to help prevent water entering into a building:  Don't make repairs overtop existing repairs.   While caulking over existing caulk might look nice and make us feel secure, it is an ineffective repair. 

Some additional information from Pinchin (thanks, Bruce!) on dealing with water damage and mould growth can be found here and the full PowerPoint presentation from the seminar is here.   Stay dry.

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Posted on December 3, 2008 by Chris Jaglowitz

20th PM Expo kicks off

The 20th edition of the ever-expanding PM Expo show is on this week, starting today until Friday, at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

From the organizers:

As Canada’s largest annual property management exposition and conference, the Show will facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and product knowledge that will provide you with strategies and cost effective solutions for managing and operating your buildings.

Full details are here.

With dozens of workshops and seminars and over 1000 exhibitors showcasing new ideas and new products, there’s something for everyone.  

See you there.

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