CCI Grand River Condo Podcast

When condo boards and property managers are looking for contractors, there is quite a process involved, with a lot of variables to consider. 

How do you find the most well-suited contractors and keep everyone happy (is that even possible)?

Joining me today to talk about working with contractors is Bill Ryan, owner and technician of R3 Integrators, Bryce McCandless, director of business for Semple Gooder Roofing, and Christine Merswolke, President of LCM Property Services. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The first thing a board or property manager should do when seeking a contractor
• What needs to be considered (eg. budget)
• Why contractors welcome the opportunity to present their services at a board meeting
• The challenges that contractors run into (especially post-Covid)
• How condo owners can take accountability and stay involved in what’s happening
• Recommendations and tips for the board of directors when working with contractors

Thank you to RLB LLP for providing the fabulous podcast studio. Visit their website here to learn more!

CCI Grand River chapter is celebrating 5 years! Mark November 10th in your calendars for our AGM and party!!

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Learn More about our Guests:

• R3 Integrators
• Semple Gooder Roofing
• LCM Property Services

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

With technological advances, we have seen condominium security come a long way over the last 30+ years. To help owners feel safe in their homes and have peace of mind, be sure to listen to this episode to ensure proper condo security is in place!

Joining Michelle on the podcast this week is Bill Ryan from R3 Integrators, a business in the security industry dedicated to providing commercial and industrial markets with superior installations and quality products.

Listen to this episode to hear:

• The game-changing advances to condo security
• How safety gets compromised unintentionally by condo owners (and tips on how to promote better safety for everyone)
• What to do if you’re worried about your building’s security
• The up-and-coming devices for condo entries (and Bill’s recommendations on safest options)
• The challenges we’re seeing lately with condo safety and security

Big thank you to RLB LLP (Condo Accounting Specialists) for the use of their podcast recording room! Visit their website here to learn more!

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with Bill:

• Visit R3 Integrators Website

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Trust us, we understand it can be confusing if you are new to the world of condominiums. 

In this episode, Michelle brings it back to the basics. If you are just starting in the condo business, wanting to purchase a condominium, or maybe you just purchased one but want to make sure you are getting all the information you need, listen in as we share the need-to-know details you don’t want to miss!

We will walk you through the types of condos, and the information you need whether you are buying a brand new condo from a developer or a resale condominium unit, and also where to find other helpful resources.

Thank you for listening and being part of our 5 year celebration as the CCI Grand River chapter!

Please review our podcast if it has helped to educate you in your condo journey. We would be forever grateful!

Episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 6: Condo Experts Tell All: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo
• Episode 11: Declaration, Bylaws, Rules, Policies: What Does it All Mean?
• Episode 13: Reserve Fund Studies: Your Condo’s 30+Year Maintenance Plan (and What That Means For You As a Condo Owner)

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs, resources, and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Resources and Information:

• Condominium Authority of Ontario Website

Neighbours playing loud music AGAIN?!

Ever wonder what you can do as a condo owner when you have a complaint? Tune in to this episode as Michelle Dyer and SV Law Lawyer, Chris Mendes, discuss what your options are to reach a resolution for condominium disputes. 

Learn about the most common complaints (and hear real-life cases!), the stages of resolution, and a very interesting resolution proposed in a case where a unit owner consistently played loud music for over two years!

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with Chris:

• SV Law Website

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Resources and Information:

• CAO Website
• CAT Info

We want YOU! Wondering what is involved in a CCI membership and how it can benefit you as a condo owner, manager, or board member? But wait…CCI is also for professionals, developers, and anyone else in the condominium community!

CCI leads the way in promoting and improving condominium living. Members receive first-hand access to education, awareness, and expertise that directly relates to those living in Guelph, KW, Cambridge, Brantford, and all cities in between.

What can CCI do for you? Find out by listening to this week’s episode!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (join CCI here!)
  
  
• CCI on Facebook
   
• CCI on Instagram
   
• CCI on LinkedIn

Imagine planning 30 years into the future…

Where will you be? What will life look like? And how will you protect your roof (and other assets)? WHAT?!

Most people we know aren’t thinking 30-50 years down the road when it comes to roofing; however, in the condo world we sure are!

Joining Michelle today on the podcast is Jamie Poodry, VP and money guru at MF Property Managament, and Henry Jansen, professional engineer with Criterium-Jansen Engineers, to share about reserve fund studies. If you don’t know what they are, here’s a quick recap: 

A reserve fund study is a minimum of a 30 year maintenance plan and determines how much money needs to be in the reserve fund to ensure the repairs can be paid for in the future. The study is prepared by a specialist, such as an engineer. Guess who pays into the reserve fund each month? That’s right, condo owners!

Listen to this episode to learn:

• The difference between a reserve fund and a reserve fund study.

• What goes into the study and how is the study determined? 

• When are the financial and inspection updates done? And how do these updates affect condo fees? 

• What condos are planning now with the massive increase in the cost of building supplies. 

• What happens when you don’t have enough money in the reserve funds at the time a repair is required?

Get these burning questions answered by listening to this episode!

Please share this podcast with a friend so they, too, can learn more about condominiums (and reserve fund studies!).

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Resources and Information:

• Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO)

You may not realize all. the. things that go into AGMs, communications, sponsors, events, and marketing for CCI. Let me tell you, it’s A LOT.

CCI provides education, information, awareness, and access to expertise by and for members. None of this can happen without the behind-the-scenes powerhouse fuelling CCI Grand River: Theresa and Maggie, the administrator and marketing manager for CCI. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• What is involved in planning, organizing, and marketing various CCI Grand River events 

• How Theresa and Maggie keep everything running smoothly and ahead of schedule

• The strategy behind how monthly themes of blogs and podcasts are decided

• A typical day-in-the-life of CCI’s administrator

• How we plan to celebrate CCI Grand River’s 5th anniversary!

What surprised you most about the behind-the-scenes of CCI? Let us know at @ccigrandriver on Instagram!

Don’t forget to follow and review this episode on your favourite podcast platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

More Resources and Information:

• Condo Owners Association
• Condominium Authority of Ontario
• The Association of Conominium Managers of Ontario

DISCLAIMER
Presenters, the Canadian Condominium Institute and its representatives will not be held liable in any respect whatsoever for any statement or advice presented herein. These presentations should not be relied upon as a professional opinion or as an authoritative or comprehensive answer in any case. Professional advice should be obtained after discussing all particulars applicable in the specific circumstances to obtain an opinion or report capable of absolving condominium directors from liability [under s. 37 (3) (b) of the Condominium Act, 1998]. Presenters' views expressed are not necessarily those of the Canadian Condominium Institute.

Purchasing a condo comes with a mountain of PAPERWORK from your lawyer. Instead of burying it with determination to read “later”, this episode will help you understand what is important to know, now. That way, reading through the declaration, bylaws, rules, and policies will be a lot less overwhelming for you.

Joining Michelle on the podcast this week is Stephanie Sutherland, a lawyer with Cohen Highley LLP and a part of the CCI education committee. Don’t miss Stephanie’s advice to condo owners about working with a lawyer, especially if you have specific lifestyle requirements.

Tune in this week to learn about where important and essential information about your condo is contained (hint: rhymes with decoration!), bylaws on borrowing, easements, and shared facilities, and why condos need rules and policies. Be sure to listen to our tip on standard unit and insurance deductible bylaws!

In addition, we share how all of this relates to you, the condo owner (and how to change any if necessary), and why reading carefully and referencing these documents are very important to condo living.

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

What happens when there are accidents in or around your condo?  

Joining Michelle LIVE on this week’s episode are special guests Stephen Skolny, David Heska, and Jennifer Johnston.

We discuss a range of health and safety topics, such as deteriorating balconies, fire risks like dryer vents and storing propane tanks, updating older electrical and plumbing, slipping on ice, and burst pipes. Oh, and gardens catching on fire!

What are owners accountable for vs the condo corporation? How can we prevent risk? What do we need to know about insurance?

Listen in to this lively discussion for learning and laughs, and to find out our best advice and perspectives on condo health and safety. And don’t miss our tip on fire inspections! You may want to start implementing it right away.

**Special thank you for BFL Insurance for hosting our first live podcast! Check them out at bflcanada.ca**

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

An interesting (and often debated) topic of discussion in condo corporations is who is responsible for what?

This episode discusses the roles of the board of directors, the condominium managers, and the service providers. Who is responsible for what? Can a sports analogy help to understand these roles? And what about owners? Who do they call when they have a problem? 

Joining Michelle this week is Carla Guthrie, Chief Executive Officer of MFP Property Management, and Gwen Story, long-term board of director and also works for RLB LLP.

Listen in to learn from their experience and perspective to create better communication and involvement with condo owners, managers, board of directors, and service providers so that everyone is on the same page and understands their roles and expectations. 

What are you biggest takeaways from this episode? Give us your insight and tag us on IG! @ccigrandriver

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

So, you bought a condo! But what about the rules, regulations, and fees? 

Episode 8 of the Grand River Condo Pro-Cast is all about the importance of educating yourself on what you are responsible for as a new condo owner. What are you agreeing to when you become an owner of a condo? Everyone must follow the same rules, so you better know what they are - even the rules on the colour of blinds you’re allowed!

Kathleen Schrumm, condo owner (for 27 years!), board member, and very involved with CCI, has a candid conversation with Michelle Dier about the key points in her recently written blog post, Reflections of a Condo Owner. 

Waiting for a new paint job on your front door? We talk about why you may be waiting longer than expected for the job to be completed. Listen to learn both the positive and negative sides of your responsibilities as a condo owner.

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite podcast platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

The provincial election is coming up soon! What are the most important things you need to know as a condo owner and manager? In this episode, Michelle Dyer and Michelle Kelly discuss two types of elections: provincial elections and board of directors elections. 

Learn about the role of the board of directors, and how to become part of it. [Hint: the most common way is to be elected!] In addition, condos have rules about who and what are permitted in your condo, but that changes slightly during election time. Tune in to find out what some of those changes are. 

Also, learn tips to get fellow owners excited to vote and participate in the election in a respectful and reasonable way. One challenge often occurs in condos that don’t have a concierge or manager on site to monitor people entering. Michelle and Michelle discuss ways to get around this safely and find good solutions for both candidates and owners.

Have you experienced a provincial election or board of directors election yet? What was your experience like?

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

What do a property manager, condo owner, board member, and contractor have in common? 

They are the four experts sharing their knowledge and expertise on the podcast today!

All joking aside, let’s get into the ins and outs of what condo owners wish they knew before buying one! Listen to this episode to hear the different perspectives on…

• The unique rules of each condo
• Understanding whether or not community living is right for you
• Communication with property managers
• What is included in your condo (ie. property maintenance)
• The lack of control over the investment in your condo
• Some of the “uh oh’s” and surprises of becoming a condo owner
• Repair costs (that leak from your upstairs neighbour, yep you are responsible!)
• Parking issues/visitor spaces
• How to deal with excessive, consistent noise

Before purchasing a condo, make sure to understand what you’re getting into!

Tag us on Instagram (@ccigrandriver) and tell us what surprised you the most after buying a condo!

Episode Guests:

• Jennifer Greene, Condo Owner, Board Member
• Natalie Leeming,  Townhouse Owner, MF Property Management
• Mark Raso, Property Manager, MF Property Management

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

More Resources

• Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) Website

Are AGMs really as dreadful as you expect? Contentious meetings happen. Find out how to avoid them, and instead have condo owners leave the meeting feeling respected and heard.

Host Michelle Dyer and Margot Morel, “the AGM whisperer”, talk all things AGM in this episode. Learn about the importance of attending and giving feedback, getting involved, and how to start enjoying AGMs too!

What do the terms proxy and quorum mean? We go over these in detail to help you understand these significant terms and information. In addition, learn the importance of staying informed and asking questions, and not necessarily waiting until an AGM to bring forward your concerns.

If you have an upcoming annual general meeting, listen to this episode to learn everything you need to know about having a successful and positive AGM.

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with Margot:

• MF Property Management Website
• MF Property on Instagram

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Are you considering purchasing a condo? This episode dives into what it’s REALLY like owning - and living in - a condo. Listen in as host Michelle Dyer discusses the advantages and disadvantages of condo living with guest Ryan Waller, a real estate agent in Guelph who published a blog post on this very topic. 

When purchasing a condo, be prepared to follow the rules that come along with it. How many parking spaces are you permitted? What are the rules around pets? What happens when you want to store your propane tank during winter months in a storage locker? Wait, do you even get a storage locker? 

Being aware of not only the rules, but also what is included in your condo fee may just cause you a few less headaches. No shovelling snow or cutting grass? Bonus! There are amazing amenities that some condos offer, such as a fitness room, library, and pet spa, to name a few. Being aware of what these amenities are and what is included in the condo fee to maintain them will help you determine if condo living is right for you.

Let us know which pros and cons are most surprising to you! 

Message us your answer on Instagram: @ccigrandriver

Words of Wisdom

• Condo listings have increased by 40%
• Guelph is quickly becoming the cheapest part of the GTA
• The condo market is equally as aggressive as the detached market

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite podcast platform!

Connect with Ryan:

• https://bethandryan.ca/
• https://bethandryan.ca/video
• https://bethandryan.ca/pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-condo-2/

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Are you curious about the current trends in the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market? Host Brad Wells is joined by Real Estate Agent Scott Henderson on today’s podcast. Listen in as they discuss how condos are part of an affordable solution to the housing market and how to increase the market value of a condo - which may just include the use of creative videos!

Key Points

• Insights on the local real estate market and how quickly prices are increasing
• What the current housing market looks like for buyers
• Condo trends based on demographics - who’s buying and what’s selling
• How Covid has impacted the selling and purchasing of condos
• Tips on what a board member or condo owner can do to enhance their corporation
• Scott’s insight on pets and condo fee structures

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with Scott:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Get insider condo tips from one of the top Real Estate Brokers in the world, Faisal Susiwala. Faisal joins Brad Wells, Vice President of the CCI Grand River Chapter, to discuss the condo market in the Grand River region.

Key Points:

• Learn about Faisal’s real estate journey and the reasons behind writing his Amazon best-selling book, The Real Deal
• Why Faisal believes the Waterloo region has become one of the most desirable places to live in Canada
• Why condos have become so popular
• How condos are part of the solution to affordable housing
• What condo board members and managers can do to improve their properties for more inclusion and maximum value
• Ideas to improve the relationships between management, owners, and tenants

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite platform!

Connect with Faisal:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

We kick off the first episode with Brad Wells, President of Wilson Blanchard Property Management and Vice President of CCI Grand River chapter, and Michelle Kelly, a partner at Robson Carpenter LLP, condo law expert, and currently President of CCI Grand River chapter. 

CCI is all about helping people! Listen to this episode to find out how CCI is a phenomenal resource for condo managers, directors, professionals, and owners!

Key Points:

• Learn about Michelle’s story and how she went from not knowing anything about condos to becoming a condo expert
• How most people come to work with condos and get “hooked”
• The importance of networking and community between professionals and condo owners, and the go-to directory filled with condo experts
• What CCI provides for condo managers, directors, professionals, and owners
• Opportunities to get free legal advice
• An update on the Condo Authority Tribunal (CAT) which has expanded its jurisdiction and will now hear nuisance, annoyance and disruption disputes (noise, odour, light, smoke, etc). 
• Stay tuned for new updates! 

Subscribe and review this episode on your favourite podcast platform!

Connect with CCI:

• CCI-GRC Website (info, blogs and events found here!)
• CCI on Facebook
• CCI on Instagram
• CCI on LinkedIn

Resources and Information:

• Condo Authority of Ontario website

Calling all condo owners, directors, managers and other professionals! Listen in as we navigate the Condominium Industry in the Grand River Area. We will bring awareness, expertise, and education to those living and working in condominiums, and provide answers to the common issues and challenges that arise. Welcome to the  Grand River Condo Pro-Cast!

For more information, visit cci-grc.ca