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The first way in which CCI did this, both locally and nationally, was to provide a forum for condominium owners, directors and professionals to meet and exchange experiences, ideas and strategies.
For professionals like myself, it is not possible to overstate the importance of this function of CCI. For lawyers, condominium law was hardly (if at all) mentioned in Law School or in the Bar Admission process. There was little chance that one would meet or know other lawyers with significant experience in working with condominiums. Through CCI, we had the opportunity to regularly meet and exchange ideas and experiences, not only with local lawyers doing condominium work, but also with managers, accountants, engineers and other professionals on the same learning curve. In addition, through CCI, we had the opportunity to do the same with other professionals from across the province and the country. The synergy developed through CCI has played an essential role in the development of condominium law and practice across the Country and, through lobbying efforts, in the ongoing development and amendment of condominium legislation. I still receive weekly emails from lawyers across the Country advising of the latest developments in condominium law. Of equal importance has been the support that CCI has provided to condominium owners and directors. The support for directors, without whom condominium corporations are not able to legally operate, has been especially important. The same opportunity to meet and compare experiences with fellow directors has been just as valuable for them as the similar opportunity has been for professionals. A significant portion of CCI ’ s support for owners and directors has been the provision of educational courses and seminars. These have provided essential and, hopefully invaluable, information for owners and directors and at the same time have provided a further vehicle for professionals to do research, prepare materials, organize their thoughts and collaborate with each other. With the continuous changes facing the condominium community, CCI ’ s programs and activities are as essential now as they were in earlier days. New forms of condominiums, new government regulations, new mandatory forms and procedures, a new Tribunal and the Condominium Authority of Ontario are just a few of the recent changes to be dealt with. With many of the amendments to the Ontario Act passed in 2015 still requiring supporting regulations and implementation, there would appear to be even more changes to come. There is no doubt that we will continue to be on a learning curve and that the support provided by CCI will continue to be as valuable as it has been in the past. One of the things that has always interested me is the extent to which condominiums are microcosms of our larger society. Condominiums are democratic government at its most grass roots level. Unfortunately, as such, condominiums are not without issues and problems; however, notwithstanding those issues and problems, the condominium ownership format is obviously here to stay, and the likelihood is that the share of our housing market occupied by condominiums will only continue to grow.
In that context, CCI will continue to be an essential resource for us all. I would predict that the next thirty years will be as interesting, exciting and challenging for the London & Area Chapter as have been the first thirty. ■
About SUSAN SIZE of Thorne Property Management Ltd. (Retired 2022)
Sue had already been involved in condominium management (for years) when education meant a jaunt down the 401 for learning. She was on the original steering committee to bring a CCI Chapter to London. When it became a realty in 1992, she was elected to that first Board of Directors. Sue was so effective in connecting with those who could benefit from it and in bringing the experts here to share. She planned events, drew on the industry experts to present and she instructed at seminars and the annual condominium course for the benefit of directors and other managers, wrote articles and helped with plans that would best serve the community. We could always count on her for advice. Other managers entering the industry were grateful for her experience, knowledge, encouragement and counsel. While creating opportunities for education was Sue’s first love, she also served as president of t he chapter from 2002-2004. She was always kind, helpful and ready to take on another task. She was an amazing leader and team member at the same time.
CCI Review 2022/2023 – 2 —November 2022 Page 15
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