So, You Joined a Condo Board, Now What?
In one of my previous memos, “My Condo Board is Looking for Volunteers — Should I Apply?” I talked about taking that first leap and putting your name forward as a director. For many owners, joining the board feels like the big step. And it is, but in reality, it’s only the beginning. Once you’re elected, the real question becomes: how do you stay effective, relevant, and informed so you can actually make a difference?
The first stop for every new director in Ontario is the mandatory online training from the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) Director training - Condominium Authority of Ontario. It’s free, straightforward, and gives you the foundation you need to understand your role under the Condominium Act Condominium Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 19 | ontario.ca. Think of it as your “Board Member 101.” (Once elected, a board member has six months to complete the training.) But like any good introduction, it’s just the start. A strong, effective director doesn’t stop learning after the certificate is printed.
There are plenty of ways to keep building your knowledge. Checking the CAO website regularly is a simple way to stay up to date with new resources, forms, and guides. The Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) Home – CMRAO is another useful site to keep an eye on, as it oversees licensing and standards for managers, information that can help directors understand the expectations placed on their management team. The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) Home - acmo publishes articles and hosts events that can give you insight into professional practices, while the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) Home - CCI-National remains the go-to organization for board education. Local chapters like CCI Grand River CCI GRAND RIVER - offer not only formal courses but also seminars, networking opportunities, and regular updates on industry issues. Even platforms like LinkedIn can be surprisingly useful; following condo law firms, management companies, or organizations like CAO and CCI will put real-time industry discussions right into your feed.
For those who want to take things further, advanced learning opportunities are everywhere. CCI offers director education programs that dive deeper into governance, finance, and reserve fund planning. Many condominium law and engineering firms run free or low-cost seminars on legal compliance, major projects, or emerging best practices. And then there are conferences — the perfect mix of education and connection. For example, the CCI Grand River Conference coming up on October 17th in Kitchener is a fantastic way for directors to immerse themselves in current issues, hear from experts, and meet other people who understand the unique challenges of running a condo corporation. The sessions are always practical, the energy in the room is contagious, and it’s usually a lot of fun too.
Of course, board members are not expected to become experts overnight. This is exactly why condominium corporations hire licensed management firms: to provide professional advice, guidance, and day-to-day support. A good management company works in partnership with the board, helping directors interpret legislation, navigate complex projects, and keep the corporation compliant. The most effective boards are those that combine their own informed decision-making with the expertise of their management team.
Why does all of this matter? Because condo corporations are, in many ways, small businesses with million-dollar budgets. Directors are responsible for governance, long-term planning, and making decisions that affect the lives of every resident. By investing a little time in ongoing education, directors gain confidence, ask better questions, understand professional advice more clearly, and ultimately build trust with owners. It’s not about becoming an expert overnight, it’s about being engaged, informed, and ready to lead.
And here’s something I encourage every condo owner to consider: even if you are not on the board, the CAO’s director training is still an incredible resource. It’s free and accessible to anyone, and it provides valuable insight into how your condominium is governed, how decisions are made, and what responsibilities your directors carry. A more informed ownership community makes for a stronger, healthier corporation overall.
Serving on a condo board is one of the most meaningful ways you can contribute to your community. But the work doesn’t stop once you’re elected, that’s just the beginning. By staying curious, staying involved, and taking advantage of the many resources available, while leaning on the expertise of your management team, you’ll ensure that your voice at the board table is not only heard, but respected.
