My Condo Board is looking for volunteers, should I apply?

My condo board is looking for volunteers to be on the board. Should I apply?

The answer is simply… YES!

Board member volunteers are essential to any condominium corporation. The board of directors has a very important job – to use their combined years of experience, knowledge and diverse backgrounds to help run the corporation efficiently and effectively (with the help of a licensed manager, of course).

Whether you have a strong accounting background (this one is always a huge bonus), experience in customer service, engineering, contracting, or even if you’re a student – anyone can bring value. Every single person has something to offer a board of directors. Everyone. Whether this is the first time you’ve ever thought about being on a board, or whether you’re already well-versed, your corporation needs you. Yes, YOU!

Each board is unique. You can’t expect people from different backgrounds to run things the same way as the condo corporation next door. With anywhere from 3–9 directors, it’s just human nature that every board develops its own style and rhythm.

Depending on the size and activity of your corporation, you’ll be expected to meet at the very minimum once per year and attend the AGM. Most condos, however, will meet quarterly. Larger or older properties (with more maintenance and repair needs) often meet monthly. Each board is different, so if you are considering being a board member, check in with your manager or other directors to get a sense of the actual time commitment.

Being on the board is an exceptional way to help shape your community. Directors, working alongside the manager, make decisions about contracts for services like landscaping or waste collection, review and confirm quotes for work, and help monitor the overall health of the building. Board members are essentially the voice of all owners – working to maintain and protect the building and its community.

Board members have fiduciary duties under the Condominium Act and must act responsibly, in good faith, and in the best interest of the corporation. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, not be bankrupt, and be mentally competent (legally able to manage property). On top of that, there is mandatory directors’ training through the CAO that must be completed within 6 months of joining the board. The training is an excellent overview for new directors, but here’s the best part – it’s free, and only takes about 3 hours to complete. I’d actually recommend it even if you’re not on the board; it’s a great way to better understand how your condo is run.

You don’t need to know everything about condominiums to be a director. What you need is a little time, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in making sure your

investment is being looked after properly. That said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Whenever there’s major money and many different/diverse owners involved, you simply can’t please everyone all the time. Not all owners see what happens behind the scenes or why certain decisions get made. As a board member, you’ll probably hear your fair share of complaints.

Here’s the trick: don’t take it personally. Refer those concerns back to the manager – that’s literally what they’re paid to handle. And when owners are especially vocal, encourage them to get involved so they too can have a say in how things are run. Sadly, most people would rather complain than step up.

Now, here’s the part nobody likes to think about… what happens if no one steps up? If there’s no board, your condo is basically stuck. Bills can’t be paid, repairs can’t be approved, and the manager’s hands are tied because they can’t make decisions without a board to direct them. In that case, usually a meeting will be called to try again to find volunteers. If still nobody comes forward, the next step is court. An owner, mortgagee, or even the manager can apply to the Superior Court of Justice, and the court can appoint an administrator to take over. (are you seeing the $$$$$$ signs?)

Sounds like a solution, but it comes at a price. Administrators get paid – and not by the government, by the owners. That cost gets added to your condo fees. It is always better (and far cheaper!) for a few volunteers to step up, even if just for a short term, than to let it come to that.

So… if you’ve been thinking about it – take the leap. Your board needs engaged, thoughtful people to step up. You might surprise yourself with just how rewarding it can be.