Condominium Manager Magazine

The role of a property manager is not the typical 9 to 5 workday – it’s a lifestyle. There are office hours to be filled, managing the physical building, keeping expenditures under budget but still ensuring everything is maintained while dealing with difficult residents and creating a community you are proud to serve and be a part of.

It’s been said more than once that the job of a condominium director is a thankless one. Often, the same can be said for condominium property managers, despite getting paid; and the tasks and duties of managers keep piling up (or what might feel more like piling on).

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, “gentrification” is defined as “the process of renewing and rebuilding accompanying an influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents.” Perhaps the most familiar example of gentrification is your typical urban, lower-income neighbourhood.

Property managers often find themselves in a unique position when conflict emerges in a condominium. As the primary contact for resident and owner concerns and the liaison to the board, management is often thrust smack in the middle of conflict – from the early stages all the way to mediation, arbitration or court.

Condominium managers are responsible for managing a variety of life basics within the condominium communities they manage. But what about the manager’s well-being? We asked RCMs from across Ontario to tell us how they manage their own lives and what techniques they use, if any, to de-stress after leaving a long day at the management office.

The ways in which Canadians shop are changing. Consumers can now shop online from anywhere, find exactly what they are looking for and take advantage of rapid shipping for a nominal fee. Whether it is for food, small electronics or large furniture, online shopping is expected to continue to grow, potentially creating a delivery package overload at a building’s concierge desk if not managed correctly.

The focus of this edition of CM magazine is Managing Life. And for two managers this means fighting the good fight on behalf of their boards, residents and owners. Two managers have recently been in the news for their efforts to effect change.

It is generally a good thing to assist the police when requested. However, if the police request to be permitted to carry out surveillance on the condominium corporation’s common elements as part of a criminal investigation, without a warrant, can such surveillance activities be permitted? As will be discussed below, the answer is yes.