harry_fine
New Member
Hello All
I wanted to get the thinking and experience of those who live in a condo and either have a private facebook group, or administer a private facebook group on behalf of the residents. By private, I mean not sanctioned by or operated on behalf of the condo corporation by the PM.
We've had one at my building since the building was built. I started the group, and am the admin. We have about 75% of the owners/tenants as members.
In our group we talk about neighbourhood events, restaurants, building policies, we help each other if someone needs to borrow a screwdriver, needs help in operating their microwave, or needs help lifting something out of their car. We try to keep the garbage room issues solved by educating those “less inclined” to be sensitive to the needs of others. If there is noise, a stray cigarette butt, we let the others know so that perhaps they can see if one of their occupants (a son or daughter on a Saturday night) are the source of the problem. We talk about policy ideas for the building, and suggestions to improve things. We pass on interesting articles on condo life. We give recommendations of cleaners, plumbers, electricians etc. It’s a great group.
At times we do get critical of the Board’s decisions and management, but I don’t let people slander others, and I try to make sure there is balance. Occasionally I have to remove a post, and I warn the people. I am clear on the Facebook group that it is NOT an official way to communicate with the Board or management. In other words, the Facebook group is NOT anti-management. It’s a tool to enhance our living experience and form a sense of community in this small, boutique building.
I’ve never asked the Board or property manager to endorse or support the Facebook group, as that’s not their job. The group is not an official vehicle of the Board or management. Yet, I think it serves all our purposes if new people who move in get the chance to join. The Board and PM have cautiously decided we can post a flyer by the mail room letting people know that we exist, and how to join the group. We have a disclaimer on the flyer that it is not sanctioned by the Board or PM or Corporation.
The Board refuses to allow us to slip them under the doors for new occupants, or to include them as part of a new resident's package. I can understand the Board not wanting to include it, as they don't want to attract any liability for slander etc. So we are stuck with watching when new people move in, and slipping the single page flyer under the door.
However, the PM says that putting anything under the doors is against the Rules. I've read the Rules and Declaration. The quiet enjoyment clause in the Corporation's Rules provides guidance on avoiding causing a “nuisance”, but that nuisance must have the characteristics that it would disturb the comfort of occupants. Surely the Condominium Authority Tribunal would not consider the one-time dropping of a flyer under the door to have that potential. I see it as no more intrusive than having an owner contact other owners for the purpose of calling a members’ meeting, a meeting to dispute a recently passed rule etc., or for that matter handing out a flyer to a newcomer in the elevator. On balance, the benefit to the owner far outweighs any potential to cause a nuisance. If I was to take the risk and distribute the flyer, the existing group members has volunteers from each floor who have agreed to provide them without need of visiting floors other than their own, keeping wandering between floors to a minimum.
So first, thanks for reading, I know this was long. What do you think? Have you heard of similar situations or are you aware of any Court decisions? I couldn't find any. What do you think is fair?
I wanted to get the thinking and experience of those who live in a condo and either have a private facebook group, or administer a private facebook group on behalf of the residents. By private, I mean not sanctioned by or operated on behalf of the condo corporation by the PM.
We've had one at my building since the building was built. I started the group, and am the admin. We have about 75% of the owners/tenants as members.
In our group we talk about neighbourhood events, restaurants, building policies, we help each other if someone needs to borrow a screwdriver, needs help in operating their microwave, or needs help lifting something out of their car. We try to keep the garbage room issues solved by educating those “less inclined” to be sensitive to the needs of others. If there is noise, a stray cigarette butt, we let the others know so that perhaps they can see if one of their occupants (a son or daughter on a Saturday night) are the source of the problem. We talk about policy ideas for the building, and suggestions to improve things. We pass on interesting articles on condo life. We give recommendations of cleaners, plumbers, electricians etc. It’s a great group.
At times we do get critical of the Board’s decisions and management, but I don’t let people slander others, and I try to make sure there is balance. Occasionally I have to remove a post, and I warn the people. I am clear on the Facebook group that it is NOT an official way to communicate with the Board or management. In other words, the Facebook group is NOT anti-management. It’s a tool to enhance our living experience and form a sense of community in this small, boutique building.
I’ve never asked the Board or property manager to endorse or support the Facebook group, as that’s not their job. The group is not an official vehicle of the Board or management. Yet, I think it serves all our purposes if new people who move in get the chance to join. The Board and PM have cautiously decided we can post a flyer by the mail room letting people know that we exist, and how to join the group. We have a disclaimer on the flyer that it is not sanctioned by the Board or PM or Corporation.
The Board refuses to allow us to slip them under the doors for new occupants, or to include them as part of a new resident's package. I can understand the Board not wanting to include it, as they don't want to attract any liability for slander etc. So we are stuck with watching when new people move in, and slipping the single page flyer under the door.
However, the PM says that putting anything under the doors is against the Rules. I've read the Rules and Declaration. The quiet enjoyment clause in the Corporation's Rules provides guidance on avoiding causing a “nuisance”, but that nuisance must have the characteristics that it would disturb the comfort of occupants. Surely the Condominium Authority Tribunal would not consider the one-time dropping of a flyer under the door to have that potential. I see it as no more intrusive than having an owner contact other owners for the purpose of calling a members’ meeting, a meeting to dispute a recently passed rule etc., or for that matter handing out a flyer to a newcomer in the elevator. On balance, the benefit to the owner far outweighs any potential to cause a nuisance. If I was to take the risk and distribute the flyer, the existing group members has volunteers from each floor who have agreed to provide them without need of visiting floors other than their own, keeping wandering between floors to a minimum.
So first, thanks for reading, I know this was long. What do you think? Have you heard of similar situations or are you aware of any Court decisions? I couldn't find any. What do you think is fair?
