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CONNECTIONSFIRSTSERVICERESIDENTIALFEBRUARY2014 MessageFromJaneThorneMeetOurPresidentScottDouglasAmendmenttotheStrataPropertyActHomeownerTipLocatingWallStudsGoingGreenFirstServiceResidentialPropertiesareMakinganImpactHAFIProgramHelpsSeniorsPeoplewithDisabilitiesModifyHomesEducationalSeminarSeriesforCouncilMembersCivilResolutionTribunalSocialMediaLinks1245678910TABLEOFCONTENTS MESSAGEFROMJANETHORNECHAIRMANDearValuedClientMyvisionforFirstServiceResidentialwastoensurethatitremainsthemostrespectedpropertymanagementcompanyinBritishColumbia.Myaimwastoprofessionalizeandelevatethestratamanagementbusiness.WiththatsaidIamextremelyproudoftheteamofprofessionalswehaveassembledduringthisjourney.ThisteamhasnotonlyhelpedachievethesegoalsbuthasalsoplayedasignicantroleinFirstServiceResidentialbecomingtheleadingresidentialpropertymanagementcompanyinMetroVancouver.AftercarefulconsiderationIhavedeterminedthatthetimeisrighttopromoteScottDouglastoPresidentofFirstServiceResidentialBC.IwillremaincloselyassociatedwiththecompanyintheChairmanposition.Scotthasdemonstratedanexcellenttrackrecordofsuccessinthedifferentservicebusinesseshehasled.HisprinciplebasedleadershipdeepbusinessknowledgecustomerserviceexcellencephilosophyandstrongclientrelationshipsuniquelyqualifyhimtotakeoverasPresident.Ihavenodoubthewillcontinuetoinspireourteamtopursuethehighlevelofstandardswehaveestablishedforourcompany.IwillcontinuetoworkwithScotttoensureaseamlesstransition.IlookforwardtoworkingcloselywithhimonavarietyofstrategicinitiativesandspecialprojectsinmycapacityasChairman.Thistransitionwillensureweremaindedicatedtodeliveringhighqualityservicetoourclients.FirstServiceResidentialisastrongorganizationthatwillcontinuetoinnovateandleadandIamcondentthatScottwillguideFirstServiceResidentialBCintherightdirection.SincerelyJaneThorneChairmanFirstServiceResidentialBC1 ItiswithgreatpridethatIentertheroleofPresidentFirstServiceResidentialBC.Asanorganizationwearefocusedonprovidingthemostcomprehensiveserviceofferingscurrentlyavailableinthepropertymanagementindustry.Wecontinuetodifferentiateourselvesasthepropertymanagementcompanyofchoicebycontinuallylookingathowwecanserviceourclientsmoreefcientlythoughourleadingtechnologysolutionsandastrongcommitmentfromourcloseto200associatesthatdiligentlyworkatprovidingthebestservicetoyouourcustomer.Lookingforwardourgoalistoredenethelevelofserviceandleadershipintheresidentialstratamanagementindustry.Webelievethatfosteringstrongrelationshipswiththestratacouncilsownersandresidentsweworkwithmeansprovidingtailoredguidanceandleadershipthatresidentstrust.LeveraginganexperiencedinternationalnetworkofFirstServiceResidentialpartnerswearedevelopinglocaloperatingstandardsandbestpracticespreviouslyunseeninthepropertymanagementindustry.WearealsofocusedonempoweringeachandeveryFirstServiceResidentialBCemployeeintheirpursuitofexcellenceandprofessionalgrowth.AtFirstServiceResidentialBCourmissioniscleartodeliverexceptionalserviceandsolutionsthatenhancethevalueofeverypropertyandthelifestyleofeveryresidentinthecommunitieswemanage.SincerelyScottDouglasPresidentFirstServiceResidentialBCMEETOURPRESIDENTSCOTTDOUGLAS2 Welookforwardtocontinueservingresidentswithourcommitmenttoprofessionalismandcustomerservice.Itisourmissiontomakeadifferenceinthelivesofresidentsweproudlyservewhileprotectingthevalueofyourassets.-ScottDouglasFromlefttorightJudithHarrisGeneralManagerSeanIngrahamDirec-torBusinessDevelopmentLesPorterExecutiveVicePresident-RetiredChuckFallonCEOofFirstServiceResidentialforNorthAmericaJaneThorneChairmanScottDouglasPresidentWendyShumVicePresidentFinanceRomanKocurRegionalPresidentforFirstServiceResidentialsNorthRegionRamAtwalManagerHR. AMENDMENTTOTHESTRATAPROPERTYACTBeawareofasignicantamendmenttotheStrataPropertyActwhichbecamelawinDecember2013.ItisatSection173OtherCourtRemedies.TheoriginalwordingofthissectionauthorizedtheSupremeCourtofBritishColumbiatoorderanownertoperformadutyrequiredbytheActorthebylawsorrulesofthestratacorporation.Thisprovisionwasthemechanismoftenrelieduponbystratacorporationsforexampletoforceownerstorepairtheirbuildings.DuringtheleakycondocrisisandeventodayiftheownersunreasonablyrejectedresolutionstomoveforwardwithrepairprogramsthestratacorporationwouldadvanceitscaseintheSupremeCourtofB.C.citingSection72ThoushaltrepairandmaintainandthecourtwouldrelyonthatprovisionaswellasSection173toorderaspeciallevyontheowners.Basedonaveryoldprecedentcasefromthe1990sthisprocesswasgenerallyreferredtoasaTadesonapplicationnamedafterthecondoownerwhosuccessfullybroughtanactionagainsthisstratacorporationtoforcearepairprogramonhisleakycondo.Thatprecedentcasehasbeenusedmanytimesbyotherstratacorporationstoforcerepairprogramsnotjustforleakycondorepairsandtherequiredfundingbyspeciallevy.Almostinvariablythecourtsgrantedtheorderssoughtbysuchstratacorporationswhenreasonableargumentswereadvancedbythestratacouncilandunreasonableargumentswerecounteredbytheowners.Thecourtsimplymarriedthetwosectionsreferredtoaboveandgrantedanorder.ThenewamendmenttotheActnowaddsasubsectiontoSection173whichmakesthisprocessmucheasier.IfavoteresolutionisproposedtoapproveaspeciallevytoraisemoneyforthemaintenanceorrepairofcommonpropertyorcommonassetsandifthenumberofvotescastinfavouroftheresolutionismorethanofthevotescastontheresolutionbutlessthanthevotenormallyrequiredthenthestratacorporationmayapplytotheSupremeCourtwithin90daysofthemeetingdatetoseekanordergrantingthespeciallevy.ThisisanexcellentamendmenttotheActandwillgreatlyassiststratacorporationstoachieverepairandmaintenanceprogramswhenrequiredincircumstanceswhereatanannualorspecialgeneralmeetingthemajorityofownersapproveoftheresolutionbutnotmorethanofthemvoteinfavour.Donotassumeforamomentthatitisaslam-dunkthough.TheGerryFanakenistheformerCEOofVancouverCondominiumServicesLtd.nowFirstSer-viceResidentialandauthorofUnderstandingTheCondominiumConceptAnInsightfulGuidetotheStrataPropertyAct.BYGERRYFANAKEN4 HereisahandytipfromJayneTouzelFirstServiceResi-dentialsWarrantyServicesCoordinator.WithanextensivearchitecturalbackgroundJayneunderstandstheins-and-outsofbuildingmechanicsdesignandconstructionassistingstrataswithwarrantyanddeciencyissues.stratacorporationscasemustbewell-foundedandsupportedwithsolidevidence.JustassomeTadeson-styleapplicationsfailedforthisreasonsotoomightsomenewSection1732applications.Doyourhomeworkandprepareasolidcaseandargumentrst.Thenusethenewamendmenttogettheresultsyouwantifyoudonotgetthevote.HereisahandytipfromJayneTouzelFirstServiceResi-dentialsWarrantyServicesCoordinator.WithanextensivearchitecturalbackgroundJayneunderstandstheins-and-outsofbuildingmechanicsdesignandconstructionassistingstrataswithwarrantyanddeciencyissues.DontHaveaStudFinderAneasywaytolocatemetalwallstudsistouseamagnet.Runthemagnethorizontallyacrossthewall-themagneticattractionbetweenthemagnetandthesteelbehindthedrywallwillindicatethelocationofasteelstudthestrongerthemagnettheeasieritwillbetolocatethestuds.5HOMEOWNERTIPLOCATINGWALLSTUDS GOINGGREENFirstServiceResidentialPropertiesareMakinganImpactMeasuringthepositiveimpactthatastratasrecyclingeffortshaveontheenvironmentisachallengingtask.UrbanImpactamulti-materialrecyclingcompanyservingMetroVancouverlaunchedaCerticateofDiversionprogramin2009tomeasurehowmuchmaterialeachcustomerdivertsfromlandllseveryyearandtheassociatedenvironmentalimpact.FirstServiceResidentialrecentlyreceivedthe2013CerticatesofDiversionsfromUrbanImpactforsevenpropertiesweproudlymanageandtheresultswereimpressive.BelowarethediversionresultsforthesevenstratasforwhichcerticateswerereceivedsofarUndertheprogramdiversionresultsareestimatedbasedontheservicesthateachstratareceivedthroughouttheyear.Theestimatetakesintoaccountthenumberandsizeofbinsthetypeofmaterialtheycontainandhowmanytimestheywereservicedoverthepastyear.EachstratareceivesauniquesetofservicessoeachstrataisalsoprovidedwithauniqueCerticateofDiversion.ForadetailedexplanationoftheCertificateofDiversionmethodologypleasevisitUrbanImpactswebsiteonlineathttpdiversion.urbanimpact.com.WaterSaved795726LTreesSaved510ElectricitySaved123122KwhWasteDiverted28348KgsCarbonCredits99.2tonnes6 ThefollowingisanarticlefromBCHousing.Wouldanewramphandrailsorwalk-inshowerhelpyoumaintainyourindependenceathomeBCHousingsHomeAdaptationsforIndependenceHAFIprogramhelpslow-incomeB.C.seniorsandpeoplewithdisabili-tiesmakehomemodicationsthatwillallowthemtocontinuelivingathome.ThroughHAFIhomeownersandlandlordswitheligibletenantscanapplyfornancialassistanceofupto20000forimprovementsthatmaketheirhomemoreaccessibleandsafe.Thisnancialassistanceisalsoavailableforownerslivinginmulti-unitpropertieswhoarelookingforadaptationsfortheirindividualunitaswellascommonareas.Thegoaloftheprogramistoenablepeoplewhohavephysicallimitationstoliveathomelonger.Peoplesphysicalneedschangeovertimesometimesasmallimprovementtoahomecanmakethedifferencebetweenbeingabletoliveindependentlyornot.TypesofeligibleprojectsincludeHandrailsinhallwaysorstairwaysRampsforeaseofaccessEasy-to-reachworkorstorageareasinthekitchenLeverhandlesondoorsWalk-inshowerswithgrabbarsandBathtubgrab-barsandseats.Theprojectsmustbepermanentandxedtothehomealthoughexceptionscanbemadeforequipmentthatgivesaccesstoanexistingpartofthehomee.g.abathlift.LaunchedinJanuary2012HAFIisfundedbytheGovernmentofCanadaandtheB.C.governmentthroughtheCanada-B.C.AffordableHousingInitiative.Approximately15millioningrantsorforgivableloanshasbeenallocatedforqualifyingB.C.residents.ToqualifyforassistancefromHAFIrecipientsmustbealow-incomeseniororpersonwithadisabilityaCanadiancitizenorlandedimmigrantandaB.C.resident.Someoneinthehouseholdmusthaveapermanentdisabilityorlossofabilitythatmakesitdifculttoperformday-to-dayactivities.Aswellthetotalhouseholdincomeandassetsmustbebelowacertainlimit.BCHousingcantellyoutheincomeandhousevaluelimitsforyourareawhenyouapply.Theprogramisopentobothhomeownersandthoselivinginmarketrentalaccommodationwhererentsareatthelowendofmarketlevelslandlordsmustapplyforimprovementsonbehalfofeligibletenants.Eligibil-ityrequirementsanapplicationguideandapplicationformsareavailableatwww.bchousing.orgHAFIorbycallingBCHousingat604-646-7055.HAFIPROGRAMHELPSSENIORSPEOPLEWITHDISABILITIESMODIFYHOMES7TheHomeAdaptationsforIndependenceHAFIprogramhelpslow-incomeB.C.seniorsandpeo-plewithdisabilitiesmakehomemodicationsforsafeaccessibleandindependentliving. EDUCATIONALSEMINARSERIESFORCOUNCILMEMBERSOnFebruary11thandFebruary13thFirstServiceResidentialcontinueditseducationalseminarseriesforcoun-cilmemberswitheventsonStrataCollectionProceduresandEarthquakePreparednessforStratasrespec-tively.VeronicaFrancoPartnerClarkWilsonLLPMeettheguestspeakerswhojoinedusduringourmostrecenteventstospeakwithcouncilmembers.FionaTherrienRegionalDirectorFirstServiceResidentialJackieKloosterboerEmergencyPlanningCoordinatorCityofVancouverPaulMurcuttClientExecutiveBFLCanadaBotheventswereenjoyedbycouncilmembersinattendancewhobecameacquaintedoverdrinksandappetizersbeforeengaginginaninformativediscussionledbyourguestspeakers.Learningpointsfromeacheventareavailableonourwebsiteatwww.fsresidential.comunderArticlesorbyclickinghere.ForinformationonupcomingseminarsforcouncilmembersvisitourEventspageatwww.fsresidential.com.FollowingthesuccessofourinitialeventonStrataCollectionProceduresinNo-vember2013asecondeventwasheldatthePinnacleHotelinNorthVancouvertocontinueeducatingcouncilmembersontheimpactofchangestotheLimita-tionActthatcameintoeffectonJune12013.InattendancetoeducatecouncilmemberswereguestspeakersVeronicaFrancoClarkWilsonLLPandFionaTherrienFirstServiceResidential.ThesecondeventofthemonthwasheldintheloungeofCanadaHouseintheVillageatFalseCreekapropertyproudlymanagedbyFirstServiceResidential.SpeakingonthetopicofEarthquakePreparednessforStratasguestsspeakersJackieKloosterboerCityofVancouverFionaTherrienFirstServiceResidentialandPaulMurcuttBFLCanadawereallinattendancetospeakaboutstrategiesforpreparingandrespondingtoearthquakesituationsasstrataresidents.8 InMay2012theBritishColumbiaMinisterofJusticeandAttorneyGeneralannouncedtheplannedcreationofanewindependenttribunalofferingonlinecivildisputeresolutiontoolstoBritishColumbians.TheproposedCivilResolutionTribunalActisintendedtocreateanalternativetotheexistingcourt-basedapproachestosettlingstratadisputes.FirstServiceResidentialisfollowingthedevelopmentofthetribunaltokeepyouinformedonitsstatusasweapproachitsimplementation.Plannedtobeinplacetowardstheendof2014theproposedservicewouldprovideaquickerandproportionatelylessexpensivepathtoresolvingcommoncivilcomplaintsandwouldhavetheauthoritytohandleSmallclaimsdisputeswherethepartiesdecidetotakethemattertothetribunalinsteadofthecourtuptoamaximumvalueof25000fordebtordamagesrecoveryofpersonalpropertyspecicperformanceofanagreementrelatingtopersonalpropertyorservicesorrelieffromopposingclaimstopersonalproperty.StratadisputesbetweenownersofstratapropertiesandstratacorporationsforawidevarietyofmatterssuchasNon-paymentofmonthlystratafeesornesUnfairactionsbythestratacorporationorbypeopleowingmorethanhalfofthestratalotsinacomplexUnevenarbitraryornon-enforcementofstratabylawssuchasnoisepetsparkingrentalsIssuesofnancialresponsibilityforrepairsandthechoiceofbidsforservicesIrregularitiesintheconductofmeetingsvotingminutesorothermattersInterpretationofthelegislationregulationsorbylawsAndissuesregardingthecommonproperty.ThetribunalwillnotdecidetribunalmattersthataffectlandsuchasOrderingthesaleofastratalotCourtordersrespectingrebuildingdamagedrealpropertyDealingwithdevelopersandphasedstrataplansDeterminingeachownerspercentshareinthestratacomplextheScheduleofUnitEntitlement.SuchmatterswillcontinuetobeheardintheSupremeCourt.Itremainstobeseenwhetherthisapproachwillbesuccessfulbutanyattemptstominimizethecostandencouragetheearlyresolutionofdisputesiswelcome.Weplantohostaneducationalseminarforcouncilmembersclosertothecreationofthetribunaltodiscussitsimpactonowners.Visitwww.fsresidential.comforthelatesteventdetails.AdditionalinformationisavailablefromtheMinistryofJusticeathttpwww.ag.gov.bc.calegislationcivil-resolution-tribunal-actindex.htm.CIVILRESOLUTIONTRIBUNALWeWanttoHearFromYouEmailMaxGajdelatMaximilian.gajdelfsresidential.comorcall604.683.8900withyoursuggestedtopicsquestionsideasandcomments.HORNBYBRANCHFormerlyCrosbyPropertyManagement777HornbyStreetSuite600VancouverBCV6Z1S4Main604.683.8900GEORGIABRANCHFormerlyVancouverCondominiumServices1281WestGeorgiaStreetSuite400VancouverBCV6E3J7Main604.684.62919 MakingaDifference.EveryDay.www.fsresidential.com
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CONNECTIONSFIRSTSERVICERESIDENTIALFEBRUARY2014 MessageFromJaneThorneMeetOurPresidentScottDouglasAmendmenttotheStrataPropertyActHomeownerTipLocatingWallStudsGoingGreenFirstServiceResidentialPropertiesareMakinganImpactHAFIProgramHelpsSeniorsPeoplewithDisabilitiesModifyHomesEducationalSeminarSeriesforCouncilMembersCivilResolutionTribunalSocialMediaLinks1245678910TABLEOFCONTENTS MESSAGEFROMJANETHORNECHAIRMANDearValuedClientMyvisionforFirstServiceResidentialwastoensurethatitremainsthemostrespectedpropertymanagementcompanyinBritishColumbia.Myaimwastoprofessionalizeandelevatethestratamanagementbusiness.WiththatsaidIamextremelyproudoftheteamofprofessionalswehaveassembledduringthisjourney.ThisteamhasnotonlyhelpedachievethesegoalsbuthasalsoplayedasignicantroleinFirstServiceResidentialbecomingtheleadingresidentialpropertymanagementcompanyinMetroVancouver.AftercarefulconsiderationIhavedeterminedthatthetimeisrighttopromoteScottDouglastoPresidentofFirstServiceResidentialBC.IwillremaincloselyassociatedwiththecompanyintheChairmanposition.Scotthasdemonstratedanexcellenttrackrecordofsuccessinthedifferentservicebusinesseshehasled.HisprinciplebasedleadershipdeepbusinessknowledgecustomerserviceexcellencephilosophyandstrongclientrelationshipsuniquelyqualifyhimtotakeoverasPresident.Ihavenodoubthewillcontinuetoinspireourteamtopursuethehighlevelofstandardswehaveestablishedforourcompany.IwillcontinuetoworkwithScotttoensureaseamlesstransition.IlookforwardtoworkingcloselywithhimonavarietyofstrategicinitiativesandspecialprojectsinmycapacityasChairman.Thistransitionwillensureweremaindedicatedtodeliveringhighqualityservicetoourclients.FirstServiceResidentialisastrongorganizationthatwillcontinuetoinnovateandleadandIamcondentthatScottwillguideFirstServiceResidentialBCintherightdirection.SincerelyJaneThorneChairmanFirstServiceResidentialBC1 ItiswithgreatpridethatIentertheroleofPresidentFirstServiceResidentialBC.Asanorganizationwearefocusedonprovidingthemostcomprehensiveserviceofferingscurrentlyavailableinthepropertymanagementindustry.Wecontinuetodifferentiateourselvesasthepropertymanagementcompanyofchoicebycontinuallylookingathowwecanserviceourclientsmoreefcientlythoughourleadingtechnologysolutionsandastrongcommitmentfromourcloseto200associatesthatdiligentlyworkatprovidingthebestservicetoyouourcustomer.Lookingforwardourgoalistoredenethelevelofserviceandleadershipintheresidentialstratamanagementindustry.Webelievethatfosteringstrongrelationshipswiththestratacouncilsownersandresidentsweworkwithmeansprovidingtailoredguidanceandleadershipthatresidentstrust.LeveraginganexperiencedinternationalnetworkofFirstServiceResidentialpartnerswearedevelopinglocaloperatingstandardsandbestpracticespreviouslyunseeninthepropertymanagementindustry.WearealsofocusedonempoweringeachandeveryFirstServiceResidentialBCemployeeintheirpursuitofexcellenceandprofessionalgrowth.AtFirstServiceResidentialBCourmissioniscleartodeliverexceptionalserviceandsolutionsthatenhancethevalueofeverypropertyandthelifestyleofeveryresidentinthecommunitieswemanage.SincerelyScottDouglasPresidentFirstServiceResidentialBCMEETOURPRESIDENTSCOTTDOUGLAS2 Welookforwardtocontinueservingresidentswithourcommitmenttoprofessionalismandcustomerservice.Itisourmissiontomakeadifferenceinthelivesofresidentsweproudlyservewhileprotectingthevalueofyourassets.-ScottDouglasFromlefttorightJudithHarrisGeneralManagerSeanIngrahamDirec-torBusinessDevelopmentLesPorterExecutiveVicePresident-RetiredChuckFallonCEOofFirstServiceResidentialforNorthAmericaJaneThorneChairmanScottDouglasPresidentWendyShumVicePresidentFinanceRomanKocurRegionalPresidentforFirstServiceResidentialsNorthRegionRamAtwalManagerHR. AMENDMENTTOTHESTRATAPROPERTYACTBeawareofasignicantamendmenttotheStrataPropertyActwhichbecamelawinDecember2013.ItisatSection173OtherCourtRemedies.TheoriginalwordingofthissectionauthorizedtheSupremeCourtofBritishColumbiatoorderanownertoperformadutyrequiredbytheActorthebylawsorrulesofthestratacorporation.Thisprovisionwasthemechanismoftenrelieduponbystratacorporationsforexampletoforceownerstorepairtheirbuildings.DuringtheleakycondocrisisandeventodayiftheownersunreasonablyrejectedresolutionstomoveforwardwithrepairprogramsthestratacorporationwouldadvanceitscaseintheSupremeCourtofB.C.citingSection72ThoushaltrepairandmaintainandthecourtwouldrelyonthatprovisionaswellasSection173toorderaspeciallevyontheowners.Basedonaveryoldprecedentcasefromthe1990sthisprocesswasgenerallyreferredtoasaTadesonapplicationnamedafterthecondoownerwhosuccessfullybroughtanactionagainsthisstratacorporationtoforcearepairprogramonhisleakycondo.Thatprecedentcasehasbeenusedmanytimesbyotherstratacorporationstoforcerepairprogramsnotjustforleakycondorepairsandtherequiredfundingbyspeciallevy.Almostinvariablythecourtsgrantedtheorderssoughtbysuchstratacorporationswhenreasonableargumentswereadvancedbythestratacouncilandunreasonableargumentswerecounteredbytheowners.Thecourtsimplymarriedthetwosectionsreferredtoaboveandgrantedanorder.ThenewamendmenttotheActnowaddsasubsectiontoSection173whichmakesthisprocessmucheasier.IfavoteresolutionisproposedtoapproveaspeciallevytoraisemoneyforthemaintenanceorrepairofcommonpropertyorcommonassetsandifthenumberofvotescastinfavouroftheresolutionismorethanofthevotescastontheresolutionbutlessthanthevotenormallyrequiredthenthestratacorporationmayapplytotheSupremeCourtwithin90daysofthemeetingdatetoseekanordergrantingthespeciallevy.ThisisanexcellentamendmenttotheActandwillgreatlyassiststratacorporationstoachieverepairandmaintenanceprogramswhenrequiredincircumstanceswhereatanannualorspecialgeneralmeetingthemajorityofownersapproveoftheresolutionbutnotmorethanofthemvoteinfavour.Donotassumeforamomentthatitisaslam-dunkthough.TheGerryFanakenistheformerCEOofVancouverCondominiumServicesLtd.nowFirstSer-viceResidentialandauthorofUnderstandingTheCondominiumConceptAnInsightfulGuidetotheStrataPropertyAct.BYGERRYFANAKEN4 HereisahandytipfromJayneTouzelFirstServiceResi-dentialsWarrantyServicesCoordinator.WithanextensivearchitecturalbackgroundJayneunderstandstheins-and-outsofbuildingmechanicsdesignandconstructionassistingstrataswithwarrantyanddeciencyissues.stratacorporationscasemustbewell-foundedandsupportedwithsolidevidence.JustassomeTadeson-styleapplicationsfailedforthisreasonsotoomightsomenewSection1732applications.Doyourhomeworkandprepareasolidcaseandargumentrst.Thenusethenewamendmenttogettheresultsyouwantifyoudonotgetthevote.HereisahandytipfromJayneTouzelFirstServiceResi-dentialsWarrantyServicesCoordinator.WithanextensivearchitecturalbackgroundJayneunderstandstheins-and-outsofbuildingmechanicsdesignandconstructionassistingstrataswithwarrantyanddeciencyissues.DontHaveaStudFinderAneasywaytolocatemetalwallstudsistouseamagnet.Runthemagnethorizontallyacrossthewall-themagneticattractionbetweenthemagnetandthesteelbehindthedrywallwillindicatethelocationofasteelstudthestrongerthemagnettheeasieritwillbetolocatethestuds.5HOMEOWNERTIPLOCATINGWALLSTUDS GOINGGREENFirstServiceResidentialPropertiesareMakinganImpactMeasuringthepositiveimpactthatastratasrecyclingeffortshaveontheenvironmentisachallengingtask.UrbanImpactamulti-materialrecyclingcompanyservingMetroVancouverlaunchedaCerticateofDiversionprogramin2009tomeasurehowmuchmaterialeachcustomerdivertsfromlandllseveryyearandtheassociatedenvironmentalimpact.FirstServiceResidentialrecentlyreceivedthe2013CerticatesofDiversionsfromUrbanImpactforsevenpropertiesweproudlymanageandtheresultswereimpressive.BelowarethediversionresultsforthesevenstratasforwhichcerticateswerereceivedsofarUndertheprogramdiversionresultsareestimatedbasedontheservicesthateachstratareceivedthroughouttheyear.Theestimatetakesintoaccountthenumberandsizeofbinsthetypeofmaterialtheycontainandhowmanytimestheywereservicedoverthepastyear.EachstratareceivesauniquesetofservicessoeachstrataisalsoprovidedwithauniqueCerticateofDiversion.ForadetailedexplanationoftheCertificateofDiversionmethodologypleasevisitUrbanImpactswebsiteonlineathttpdiversion.urbanimpact.com.WaterSaved795726LTreesSaved510ElectricitySaved123122KwhWasteDiverted28348KgsCarbonCredits99.2tonnes6 ThefollowingisanarticlefromBCHousing.Wouldanewramphandrailsorwalk-inshowerhelpyoumaintainyourindependenceathomeBCHousingsHomeAdaptationsforIndependenceHAFIprogramhelpslow-incomeB.C.seniorsandpeoplewithdisabili-tiesmakehomemodicationsthatwillallowthemtocontinuelivingathome.ThroughHAFIhomeownersandlandlordswitheligibletenantscanapplyfornancialassistanceofupto20000forimprovementsthatmaketheirhomemoreaccessibleandsafe.Thisnancialassistanceisalsoavailableforownerslivinginmulti-unitpropertieswhoarelookingforadaptationsfortheirindividualunitaswellascommonareas.Thegoaloftheprogramistoenablepeoplewhohavephysicallimitationstoliveathomelonger.Peoplesphysicalneedschangeovertimesometimesasmallimprovementtoahomecanmakethedifferencebetweenbeingabletoliveindependentlyornot.TypesofeligibleprojectsincludeHandrailsinhallwaysorstairwaysRampsforeaseofaccessEasy-to-reachworkorstorageareasinthekitchenLeverhandlesondoorsWalk-inshowerswithgrabbarsandBathtubgrab-barsandseats.Theprojectsmustbepermanentandxedtothehomealthoughexceptionscanbemadeforequipmentthatgivesaccesstoanexistingpartofthehomee.g.abathlift.LaunchedinJanuary2012HAFIisfundedbytheGovernmentofCanadaandtheB.C.governmentthroughtheCanada-B.C.AffordableHousingInitiative.Approximately15millioningrantsorforgivableloanshasbeenallocatedforqualifyingB.C.residents.ToqualifyforassistancefromHAFIrecipientsmustbealow-incomeseniororpersonwithadisabilityaCanadiancitizenorlandedimmigrantandaB.C.resident.Someoneinthehouseholdmusthaveapermanentdisabilityorlossofabilitythatmakesitdifculttoperformday-to-dayactivities.Aswellthetotalhouseholdincomeandassetsmustbebelowacertainlimit.BCHousingcantellyoutheincomeandhousevaluelimitsforyourareawhenyouapply.Theprogramisopentobothhomeownersandthoselivinginmarketrentalaccommodationwhererentsareatthelowendofmarketlevelslandlordsmustapplyforimprovementsonbehalfofeligibletenants.Eligibil-ityrequirementsanapplicationguideandapplicationformsareavailableatwww.bchousing.orgHAFIorbycallingBCHousingat604-646-7055.HAFIPROGRAMHELPSSENIORSPEOPLEWITHDISABILITIESMODIFYHOMES7TheHomeAdaptationsforIndependenceHAFIprogramhelpslow-incomeB.C.seniorsandpeo-plewithdisabilitiesmakehomemodicationsforsafeaccessibleandindependentliving. EDUCATIONALSEMINARSERIESFORCOUNCILMEMBERSOnFebruary11thandFebruary13thFirstServiceResidentialcontinueditseducationalseminarseriesforcoun-cilmemberswitheventsonStrataCollectionProceduresandEarthquakePreparednessforStratasrespec-tively.VeronicaFrancoPartnerClarkWilsonLLPMeettheguestspeakerswhojoinedusduringourmostrecenteventstospeakwithcouncilmembers.FionaTherrienRegionalDirectorFirstServiceResidentialJackieKloosterboerEmergencyPlanningCoordinatorCityofVancouverPaulMurcuttClientExecutiveBFLCanadaBotheventswereenjoyedbycouncilmembersinattendancewhobecameacquaintedoverdrinksandappetizersbeforeengaginginaninformativediscussionledbyourguestspeakers.Learningpointsfromeacheventareavailableonourwebsiteatwww.fsresidential.comunderArticlesorbyclickinghere.ForinformationonupcomingseminarsforcouncilmembersvisitourEventspageatwww.fsresidential.com.FollowingthesuccessofourinitialeventonStrataCollectionProceduresinNo-vember2013asecondeventwasheldatthePinnacleHotelinNorthVancouvertocontinueeducatingcouncilmembersontheimpactofchangestotheLimita-tionActthatcameintoeffectonJune12013.InattendancetoeducatecouncilmemberswereguestspeakersVeronicaFrancoClarkWilsonLLPandFionaTherrienFirstServiceResidential.ThesecondeventofthemonthwasheldintheloungeofCanadaHouseintheVillageatFalseCreekapropertyproudlymanagedbyFirstServiceResidential.SpeakingonthetopicofEarthquakePreparednessforStratasguestsspeakersJackieKloosterboerCityofVancouverFionaTherrienFirstServiceResidentialandPaulMurcuttBFLCanadawereallinattendancetospeakaboutstrategiesforpreparingandrespondingtoearthquakesituationsasstrataresidents.8 InMay2012theBritishColumbiaMinisterofJusticeandAttorneyGeneralannouncedtheplannedcreationofanewindependenttribunalofferingonlinecivildisputeresolutiontoolstoBritishColumbians.TheproposedCivilResolutionTribunalActisintendedtocreateanalternativetotheexistingcourt-basedapproachestosettlingstratadisputes.FirstServiceResidentialisfollowingthedevelopmentofthetribunaltokeepyouinformedonitsstatusasweapproachitsimplementation.Plannedtobeinplacetowardstheendof2014theproposedservicewouldprovideaquickerandproportionatelylessexpensivepathtoresolvingcommoncivilcomplaintsandwouldhavetheauthoritytohandleSmallclaimsdisputeswherethepartiesdecidetotakethemattertothetribunalinsteadofthecourtuptoamaximumvalueof25000fordebtordamagesrecoveryofpersonalpropertyspecicperformanceofanagreementrelatingtopersonalpropertyorservicesorrelieffromopposingclaimstopersonalproperty.StratadisputesbetweenownersofstratapropertiesandstratacorporationsforawidevarietyofmatterssuchasNon-paymentofmonthlystratafeesornesUnfairactionsbythestratacorporationorbypeopleowingmorethanhalfofthestratalotsinacomplexUnevenarbitraryornon-enforcementofstratabylawssuchasnoisepetsparkingrentalsIssuesofnancialresponsibilityforrepairsandthechoiceofbidsforservicesIrregularitiesintheconductofmeetingsvotingminutesorothermattersInterpretationofthelegislationregulationsorbylawsAndissuesregardingthecommonproperty.ThetribunalwillnotdecidetribunalmattersthataffectlandsuchasOrderingthesaleofastratalotCourtordersrespectingrebuildingdamagedrealpropertyDealingwithdevelopersandphasedstrataplansDeterminingeachownerspercentshareinthestratacomplextheScheduleofUnitEntitlement.SuchmatterswillcontinuetobeheardintheSupremeCourt.Itremainstobeseenwhetherthisapproachwillbesuccessfulbutanyattemptstominimizethecostandencouragetheearlyresolutionofdisputesiswelcome.Weplantohostaneducationalseminarforcouncilmembersclosertothecreationofthetribunaltodiscussitsimpactonowners.Visitwww.fsresidential.comforthelatesteventdetails.AdditionalinformationisavailablefromtheMinistryofJusticeathttpwww.ag.gov.bc.calegislationcivil-resolution-tribunal-actindex.htm.CIVILRESOLUTIONTRIBUNALWeWanttoHearFromYouEmailMaxGajdelatMaximilian.gajdelfsresidential.comorcall604.683.8900withyoursuggestedtopicsquestionsideasandcomments.HORNBYBRANCHFormerlyCrosbyPropertyManagement777HornbyStreetSuite600VancouverBCV6Z1S4Main604.683.8900GEORGIABRANCHFormerlyVancouverCondominiumServices1281WestGeorgiaStreetSuite400VancouverBCV6E3J7Main604.684.62919 MakingaDifference.EveryDay.www.fsresidential.com