By David Lu
As a condominium lawyer I deal with a lot of disputes and conflict, but I would say that the vast majority of condominium communities live with a vibrant community spirit. However, this spirit doesn’t come by default. Rather, it is often hard work and a creative mindset that allow a positive community spirit to flourish.
In my view, the biggest asset to \ improve community spirit has to be communication. I’ve seen simmering disputes mitigated simply because the community was kept updated on certain issues or events. Many condominium boards send a monthly newsletter providing news about the condo community to the owners. There may even be special communications for certain situations, such as if the condominium is undergoing a major repair project.
Of course, it is almost impossible for every piece of communication in a condominium community to be good news. Sometimes bad news, such as special assessments, must be delivered. In these situations, it is often better to provide as much transparency as legally permissible. (There are sometimes legal and/or privacy concerns that can limit the amount of information shared.) Informed owners are more likely to understand and support a decision than uninformed owners.
Aside from communications, I find that social events can also do a lot to bring a community together. Many condo communities have a social committee, which organizes themed events throughout the year designed to get neighbours to interact and get to know each other. Neighbours who know each other enhance the security of the community as a whole and decrease the likelihood of conflict.
However, social gatherings don’t have to wait until COVID-19 is over. Virtual gatherings can still take place in the meantime. While they aren’t the same as in-person gatherings, they might be helpful in getting the community through this last stretch as we wait for the vaccination campaign to run its course. Some ideas that I’ve seen lately include: a virtual “concert” via Zoom or some other streaming platform, virtual trivia or movie nights, and continuing meetings virtually for previously established clubs. (I’ve seen book clubs, knitting clubs and chess clubs.)
With warmer weather coming, if your condominium community has gardens or areas where gardening can be done, gardening can be another avenue to improve community spirit. Downtown living means that green space is at a premium, but what may be lacking in quantity can be made up in quality. I’ve seen gardening committee initiatives be a great success, both enhancing the property community spirit.
Lastly, don’t forget charitable initiatives. We’ve all struggled over the past year, but there are certainly members of our society that have struggled even more. I’m always inspired to see a condominium community get together and use its positive energy to help others, particularly those in the local community.
David Lu is an Associate at Davidson Houle Allen LLP, a boutique Condominium Law firm serving Eastern Ontario.