However, the board would like to release its audited financials from 2019. We were pleased to see that the corporation was in the black in 2019 (having money in the bank after all bills were paid off), and hope to continue this trend going forward.

Last year the board was in a position of increasing condo fees as insurance premiums skyrocketed throughout Canada. It was disappointing to say the least as the board was hoping for some budget relief due to the fact that we had installed LED lighting throughout the property to save money.

To save our insurance from larger more unwieldy issues, the board continues to pay for any unforeseen damage through the money we take in on a yearly basis. We know that as soon as we make a claim, our insurance will go up further. Because of this, we ask all owners to keep up with their unit maintenance, toilet and tub seals, refitting dishwasher hoses if they are old, flattening your boxes and other recycling material, etc. to reduce the stress on our budgets and condo fees.

We would also like to inform all owners that the government of Alberta has changed the ACT to allow corporations to charge an owner for all damage that they cause, which includes other units. The board asks that all owners have proper insurance and that they also demand that all their renters also have proper insurance every year. Not doing so affects all owners.

As well, if you are renting your unit to make sure that your renters know about the rules and policies of the property and adhere to them. We have seen many renters care very little about recycling properly. Our contractor that picks up the recycling wants us to do weekly pickups throughout the property, but this will add 3% increase to condo fees. If you don’t flatten boxes or put material that isn’t recyclable like metal bed frames, mirrors, toilet seats, and so forth, then your condo fees will go up. This picture shows what people think is recyclable. Bed frames are not recyclable in these systems. Things like this need to be transported by you to the City landfill where they have metal recycling, or taken to a metal recycler. Better yet, placed on Kijiji for FREE. I am sure someone would come and get it.

LED Lighting

Last year as stated above, we installed new LED lighting throughout the property. On the lower levels, we installed motion sensor lighting that activates when the sun goes down. On the upper levels, we installed a standard LED light. The board also voted to install LED lighting throughout the common hallways. In the months that followed the board saw a significant decrease in power usage, between $1000-$1500 a month. Moving forward through 2020, we are hoping to see the same decreases and hope to save at least $10,000 for the year.

We would suggest to all owners and residents who live on the lower level to keep the light switch on for the patio light. There were several residents who reported thieves going around stealing things off patios. Motion sensor lights help put a stop to this activity. It also helps at night for the pathways and dark spaces for those coming home in the evening to traverse the sidewalks. This always helps us in the long run.

New Doors

The board has replaced all the old green doors with new white ones and frames site-wide. Hopefully reducing hot air escape during the winter months and creating energy savings. This also beautifies the property.

Entry Stairs

The board looked at different options for our entry stairs, and at this time decided to fix what we have to extend use out another 5 years. We will keep an eye on the performance of this fix, and if necessary replace it.

GYM

A new treadmill was purchased in 2019, and this year the board has agreed to buy one more to replace the aging Precor which came to either paying $1000 to fix it and then something else breaks, or replacing it. We will be reopening the gym since being closed because of COVID concerns for people’s enjoyment, but stress that all users must bring cleaners to clean the machines down before and after use.

Access hatches

The board completed all roof access hatches making it easier for contractors to access the roofs in a safer fashion in 2020.

Playground

The board chose to replace the aging playground equipment in 2019. This will hopefully be a series of upgrades to the common property. The board is looking at the tennis courts and wanted to do something about this this year, but because of the crisis, will hold off till next year. A proposal redesign is to the left.

Landscaping

In 2019 the board landscaped part of the front of buildings 2-3 with some larger feature rocks and smaller rocks around it. We used rock as the pine trees in this area to stop grass from growing.

In other areas of the property, some older trees were removed in 2019. More will follow as trees are starting to die out.

Seeding Property

The board agreed to seed most of the property in 2019. Terri Beingessner, Kathie Martin and Gary Hewitt seeded the property at no expense to the corporation other than the seeder and seed purchase. More will have to be done, but also other landscaping possibilities such as the aforementioned rock project.

Condo Control

Lastly, we would again like to bring the Simco Condo Control system to owner's and residents attention. This gives us a centre for everyone to report issues and allows us and Simco to keep track of upcoming ideas and ongoing projects. We invite all owners and residents to be on this system. We know some of you took yourself off this system, and we highly recommend putting yourself back on. It makes a world of difference to the board and Simco. The board can monitor all projects and reports from residents. We read what is going on and how it is being handled. So please reconsider this system.