Dear Sir/Madam,
Dear Neighbours,
I'm thrilled to introduce our "mailbox for problems and suggestions." This online forum aims to build stronger connections and encourage open conversations among residents. It's especially beneficial for those who are reluctant to speak up due to concerns about negative reactions from the Board or property management. The Board has always been keen on establishing a single channel or mailbox to manage information, often due to their limited knowledge and expertise (don't buy other versions of their mailbox). This can lead to a situation where they're learning and improving at the expense of the residents. The platform is also useful for presenting queries and issues to Provincial Agencies, the Board, and our Property Management Company. When I purchased my apartment, I was under the impression that Canadian condo laws would be akin to those in Europe, particularly in Germany and England where I have work experience. However, I was surprised to find that the local standards often fall short of those in countries like Russia or Ukraine, where property managers typically hold advanced degrees, unlike the mere high school diploma required in Canada. Alberta government has made many improvements, but much more effort is needed. If you're thinking about buying a condo, please proceed with caution, as it might lead to feeling powerless over your property and incurring unexpected costs. Renting might be a wiser, safer, and less stressful alternative. Alternatively, purchasing a house or at least a townhouse could be a more dependable option.
Honestly, I am very upset that the level of management, maintenance, and auditing practices within our Condo Board fell short of both legal and ethical standards. Drawing from my experiences on the Condo Board, I made efforts to engage with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in an attempt to bring about much-needed changes to the current Condo Property Act. However, despite many positive changes done by MLAs, it became evident that further action was required to address the legal loopholes and ethical violations associated with property management companies, board directors, and contractors.
I must stress that our situation is not unique and mirrors the challenges faced by many condo boards in Edmonton. Following my departure from the Board, I initially believed that change was beyond the scope of a single condo board. However, recent events and concerns expressed by my neighbours have compelled me to reconsider my stance of not complaining regarding particular local contractors, persons, etc. You will find comprehensive information on this website outlining these issues. Additionally, I want to inform you that certain pieces of information have already been shared with various agencies, including the Alberta Legislature, the City of Edmonton, and the Canadian Revenue Agency, in pursuit of necessary changes and actions.
Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Allan, and I moved into the 17407 building in the summer of 2010. I made this transition after selling my custom-made house in Cameron Heights due to frequent business trips within Canada and abroad. I have come to cherish my current residence, our community, and the convenience of having stores, schools, Terra Losa Pharmacy, Capstone Clinic, Canada Post, and more within easy reach.
My professional journey spans many years as a Mechanical Engineer (B.Sc., M.Sc.) across various countries, including Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, England, France, the Middle East, the USA, and Canada. This experience has enriched me with multicultural perspectives and proficiency in multiple languages (5 different languages). Furthermore, I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Finance from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (with a GPA of 4.0 out of 4.0), a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting with Distinction from MacEwan University (with a GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0), and an MBA in Community Development from Cape Breton University.
I mention these credentials to emphasize my qualifications and expertise in engineering, finance, accounting, and corporate governance. It is my hope that my diverse skill set can help address the issues we face concerning maintenance, budgeting, and corporate governance regulations. Additionally, I briefly served as an officer with two different law enforcement agencies, adding another layer of experience to my background.
I am committed to fostering positive change within our community and ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed. Together, we can work towards a more transparent and responsible condominium management system.
Sincerely,
Allan
