How to Become the Best Owner & Council Member

Owners in multimillion-dollar strata corporations rely on the strong and trustworthy leadership of the duly elected strata council.

Most strata corporations aren't self-managed, and a professional property management company is hired to help guide strata councils. However, current legislation, such as the prevalent Strata Property Act, will give the owners and councils the power to make final decisions on strata matters.

The Strata Property Act intends to empower owners in their strata communities to establish procedures that'll serve the best interest of their strata corporation.

Ideally, councils would be working closely with their management companies, service providers, and legal counsels, heeding their advice and guidance. However, in many cases, volunteer homeowner councils are finding themselves overwhelmed with a mindset that's not in sync with the expectations of the provincial legislature.

The unknowns, lack of knowledge, and unrealistic expectations will frustrate many council members, not to mention the fear that their vote and decisions will make them unpopular in their community. 

At Associa B.C. Inc., we offer training opportunities to all strata councils in British Columbia through our regular educational webinars. Raising a hand at an annual general meeting to express interest in standing for council nomination and election should never be taken lightly, as it is not a prestigious position. At Associa, we take our clients' needs very seriously. We encourage councils to sign up for upcoming events and training opportunities to enhance the quality of life in their communities.

Councils that are actively involved with the right mindset and serious about learning will do well in serving their communities. At present, there is no requirement for strata council members to obtain a license, nor is it required to write a provincial examination.

In self-managed strata corporations, the council can look after their own accounting, bylaw enforcement, council meetings, contracts, etc.

In strata corporations where the owners decided to hire a management company to help with governance, the council's job will be much easier.

Property management companies, like Associa BC, will have well-trained, licensed strata management professionals to provide guidance and complete most of the action items on the council's behalf. Thus, the council and management company will be working together harmoniously in the best interest of the strata corporation while respecting the governing laws and due processes.