A KEY MEETING FOR ALL OF US

On Thursday, Feb. 18, Ottawa-Carleton Standard Condominium Corporation 953 — that’s us, 60-100 Prestige Circle — is having its Annual General Meeting.

This is a precious opportunity — the only time over the course of an entire year when you get to sit down with your neighbours, as well as with those who manage our property, and talk about the things that matter to you as resident and/or owner in our condo community.

You’ll discover where your condo fees go, learn what’s been done up to now, and discover what we can expect over the coming year, from both Brigil and our property managers. You’ll learn about the City of Ottawa’s plans to impose a Green Bin program on us.

You’ll have a chance to ask about things that have been bugging you, from condo corporation rules to Brigil’s glacial rate of progress. You can let Axia (our management company) know how you think they’re doing. In short, you can find out the things you need and want to know about life in this new and evolving condo community.

You’ll also have a chance to directly participate in OCSCC 953’s operations by standing for election, if you choose. Two of the three board positions —Treasurer, currently Isabelle Martin, and Secretary, currently Janice Kennedy — are open. (President Jean-Noel Gilbert’s term extends for another year.)

At the very least, you can cast your vote for the candidates.

The meeting is nearby — just over at the Shenkman Centre (Music Room). Registration begins at 6:15 pm, with the meeting scheduled to start at 6:30. You’ll be out of there by 8:30 — 9 at the latest.

But you will have had a chance to voice your concerns about issues that affect you now and into the future.

You really don’t want to miss it.

Your Condo Board

Jean-Noel Gilbert, President

Isabelle Martin, Treasurer

Janice Kennedy, Secretary

POLITICKING

You may be passionate about your politics — especially now, with the endless election campaign in full swing. But you might want to be discreet about it.

At least around here.

Condo rules forbid signage in common areas, as well as on balconies and other exterior areas of your condo. Signs on the inside of windows would require the explicit permission of the Board.

And the Board’s position, in any case, is that window signs of any type are unsightly, while political ones carry the added potential of being divisive.

In short, no campaign signs. Let’s keep our politicking in our hearts and on Facebook, where it belongs.

CITIZEN ACTION

In case anyone doubts that things can happen when you speak up, take a look across the street. Our lovely little park had become an eyesore along its perimeter. Worse than that, it was creating nuisance conditions for people with allergies and, worst of all, obliterating the fire hydrants.

When one of our residents contacted Orleans councillor Bob Monette, particularly pointing out the health and safety hazard of the overgrown perimeter, he got back to her almost immediately. He’d obviously spoken to Brigil (which had committed to the job in the first place) and informed her that work should begin within a day or two. If it didn’t, he said, she should let him know.

And work did indeed begin, with a vengeance. The weeds are gone, we can see the hydrants, and, with a little luck, the area will be freshly seeded or sodded in the very near future.

Brigil foreman Gord Pickup says the timing was just coincidental, but that’s not what most of us think. Most of us think: three cheers for Bob Monette.

JUNE BOARD MEETING

The board and Axia manager Jodie Marion met on June 18.

Besides the usual consideration of finances, issues with Brigil and general maintenance, there were discussions about: the performance audit recently conducted by the engineering firm we hired; such seasonal issues as rules applying to patios and balconies; and building and grounds maintenance.

Minutes of this meeting will be available after they are approved at the next board meeting on July 9. Meanwhile, minutes for the May meeting have been approved and are now available.

"And be sure to get that spot right there..."

As you've no doubt observed, the exteriors of our inaccessible windows are all shiny and clean now, thanks to the hard-working guys from Cody Developments who climbed the ladders and did the job.
What you may not have known? One of the units had its very own feline supervisor, who made sure that no speck of dirt was left untouched.

SUMMER SEASONAL STUFF

At the May meeting, the board discussed a few items of particularly seasonal interest.

(Minutes from that meeting will be available, through Axia Management, after approval at the next meeting, scheduled for June 18.)

WINDOW CLEANING:

Some residents are wondering when or if exterior cleaning will take place. The board has approved a quote from a window-cleaning company recommended by Axia. We expect to have the windows done some time this summer.

Please note that this involves only exterior windows that, for most residents, can not be reached — i.e. windows of both bedrooms and, for the end units, side windows of the second bedroom and living room. It does not include the exterior of patio doors.

But yes, it does include the exterior of windows at basement level.

BARBECUES:

There has been no end of discussion and controversy over this issue. In the end, the board has concluded that, while no barbecuing on balconies or patios is permitted — meaning nothing that involves fire or live coals — the use of electric grills is acceptable.

The board reminds everyone, however, that courtesy has to be the watchword here. When you go out to grill, please be aware of your neighbours.

And please be sure to place the grill at least three feet, or a metre, away from the wall of the building.

DOGS AND OUR ENVIRONMENT:

A friendly reminder to anyone who may occasionally forget: please pick up after your pooch.

But more than that, please don’t let your dogs urinate on our grass or bushes. That’s the surest way to stunt growth and create unsightly brown patches.

We’re very lucky to have a large wild growth area just across the road, by the river. Let’s use it, not our own fragile property.