Annual General Meeting
February 17th is the Annual General Meeting for YOUR condominium corporation.Please make sure you have read the information packages you received, starting with the
Preliminary Notice around January 15th of this year. It outlined details around the need for an email address, as well as other information for you. Please connect with the Property Manager (Jetta Cornei) if you have any questions.
Furthermore, as a result of a petition forwarded to your Board of Directors, a Requisition Meeting to discuss and vote on a Harassment Rule, will be part of the agenda as well.
COVID 19
Please remember to keep in mind the notices in the elevators and the information and do your best to follow and adhere and respect all of the information on these. And masks - please try to ensure all masks you no longer require or need end up in the garbage bins around our property.
No one wants to see piles of masks on the ground after the snow melts. (Same for any garbage actually)
FOREST GLEN
NEWS
President’s Message:
I hope this message finds everyone well. 2021 is off
to another challenging start in many ways. The seemingly incessant grey weather in January coupled with a return to more restrictions, closures, case number increases, and other
worrisome news in many ways overshadowed the dawning of the new year and the hopes vaccines can bring us down the road.
Yet we persevere.
I like to go for long runs and run races such as the Around the Bay 30km race or 25 kms trail races in the Dundas Valley. A key requirement for this is the need to just grind it out, head down, keep your eyes up and on the course and understand that the finish line will come, the discomfort will diminish, and the after race beverage or two or more coupled with a celebratory meal is in the future. But, even when grinding it out, with sweat burning your eyes or if you are having chaffing problems, you try to keep smiling and thank the volunteers and paid staff organizing the races. You are helpful and encouraging and respectful to your fellow runners, even if they accidentally cut you off at the water station. It is just what you do.
Let’s all be runners here at Forest Glen. Water Use
Did you know that Forest Glen pays for all of the water we use?
Do you know how much Forest Glen pays for its water and sewer use?
Indeed we do pay for every drop we use.
• 2019 Water and Sewer expenses were $169, 072
• 2020 Water and Sewer expenses were $189, 857
For information and tips and habits and on how to do your part for our Forest Glen finances and the
environment, go to: https://www.hamilton.ca/
home-property-and-development/water-sewer/ water-conservation-tips
President’s Message
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Part II
I really hope you join us for the upcoming AGM. I understand the format may be difficult, a challenge, odd for some of you, but, the
circumstances dictate we run it this way. Please approach the Board via our website, www.forestglenhamilton.ca if you need help with the
technology. Ask a family member or a friend to help you set up an email address and maybe even talk you through the set up on the night of the meeting.
Many condominiums have run virtual AGM’s prior to Covid, and reports indicate that often Owners really learn to appreciate the ease and comfort of them. No need to go out on a cold fall or winter night. Also, as noted in a previous Glen News, this is the forum to hear
directly, first hand, information on the finances, the budget, and other issues going on in your community.
Please note that failing to get quorum (a legislated number of attendees) means we will need to spend money for an additional meeting and that the elections for the Board cannot happen.
Condos and COVID: Safety Should be Everyone's Top Priority
The following article and opinion piece was published in Condo Voice Magazine’s Winter 2020 Edition. (Thanks to Treasurer Hugh Duffy for finding this!!)
By Brian Antman
The last seven months have seen many changes in the world. The coronavirus
(COVID-19) has caused many of us to live by decisions that are set by various
governing bodies. However, for those who live in condominiums, this has been part of their lives since they became owners.
The Condominium Act (the "Act") sets governance of condominiums in Ontario. Although the Act is the overall governing statue, every condominium in Ontario is also governed by its declaration, by-laws and rules. Condominiums give us a perfect example of how people should live together and, in my mind, provide a perfect example of how people can work together in these trying times. Corporations are similar to governments: you have your laws set out by the Act, the Corporation's declaration, by-laws and rules. You have your elected officials who are the Board of Directors, elected by the constituents who are the owners. Let's not forget the Property Managers, who, in my mind, are the "front-line workers". They are faced with the daunting task of implementing and enforcing the rules, policies, and procedures established by the Boards. The virus has caused all of us to adapt and accept changes that are out of our norm and at this point, many of us are uncertain when or if we will ever see life as it was before COVID-19.
Boards have had to make decisions that affect how owners live. There have been restrictions on getting access to amenities, living for long periods in a confined space, social distancing and wearing masks, working from home for an extended period of time, and trusting neighbours who you may not really know if they are
may think there is no end in sight. The government has just announced more stringent guidelines that we will all have to live with. Although many are getting tired of all of the rules and restrictions, it is in everyone's best interest to accept what is being put in place to protect everyone's health and safety.
At this point, based on the guidelines established by the provincial and municipal governments, condominiums should have implemented a plan to deal with
COVID-19. The plan is meant to protect your health and avoid further spread of the virus.
Communication is vital during these times. Use technology to its fullest.
Restrictions in place may limit your ability to communicate the way we used to. Property Managers are less accessible either because they are working behind
closed doors or offsite. Where you used to be able to talk to them face to face, now you can only contact them by phone or email. Corporations have created webpages or newsletters to keep owners informed. Communication with vendors has also gone virtual. Corporations have been able to hold board meetings and annual meetings virtually. I have found that everyone has tried, to the best of their ability, to work within the restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
Safety should be everyone's top priority. New measures like the closing of
amenities, gathering restrictions, and increased cleaning measures have all been established to protect our well-being. You should accept the limitations that are in place to only undertake emergency repairs since it has been proven that limiting interaction helps reduce your chance of exposure to the virus.
Be aware that everyone has been affected by this differently, both physically and emotionally. Physical restrictions have affected us all. The coming months are going to be trying for everyone. The bottom line is: if we all work together, it will make it easier to get through and strive through these unprecedented times.
See - there is an end of the rainbow.
And finally…
✦
