life in a condominium
For those who are new to condominium life there can be some adjustments. Few will miss the upkeep of mowing lawns, raking leaves or shovelling snow. But this freedom from chores comes with restrictions that you may not have anticipated. You are expected to share the facilities with your neighbours. And there is an expectation that you will take on some new responsibilities related to living in a shared building.
The Condominium Authority of Ontario is your source for knowledge about all things related to living in a condominium. It is strongly recommended that new owners refer to this guide. Even if you have lived in a condominium for years, you may still be surprised to know how regulations have evolved, and procedures have been refined.
When you check into this website there is an invitation to subscribe to the OCA newsletter where you will receive important news and updates. The spring newsletter focused on conflict resolution, and the Condominium Tribunal. It just take a moment to sign up.
Easter (Cr)afternoon
The (cr)afternoon team led by Rhonda Malcho, provided another special event yesterday. This time the theme was very springlike, with Easter egg decorating, various colouring activities and an Easter egg hunt. Children of all ages had a wonderful time and cannot wait for the next (cr)afternoon.
Osteoporosis lunch & learn
On Tuesday the lunch social included a very informative presentation by Pricilla, a volunteer from Osteoporosis Canada. She used a slideshow and gave us reliable practical advice about the reality of declining bone health over time and what we could do to maintain healthy bones for life. This event was organized by members of the Islington Vertical Village group. Let us know of other learning opportunities for future Lunch & Learn afternoons.
Avoid Water Damage
Water leaks in your suite can lead to costly damage. Toilets can leak slowly in a rarely used washroom. Your washing machine or dishwasher can unexpectedly release water. The pipes under your kitchen sink can erode over time and cause a leak. Suddenly you have an urgent problem.
Water leaks are particularly troublesome in a condominium because water will always flow downward potentially damaging lower suites too. You will be responsible for this damage so be sure your insurance policy reflects this added liability for any expenses incurred.
Wise condominium owners can do a few things to avoid costly water damage. Every adult should be familiar with the shut-off valves throughout the suite (under sinks, beside washing machines, under toilets) and know how to turn them off in an emergency. Check each to see if they work properly so that in the off position there is no more water flow. These valves can become faulty over time and should be repaired by a plumber in case you need to turn off the water.
Consider investing in some water leak alarms. These are small devices that you can place out of sight behind toilets, near washing machines or under sinks. They detect water and give an alarm. There are smart water detector alarms that send a notification to your smart phone app, even when you are away from home.
