Regarding Tarion: the letter accompanying the survey said that the end client was Tarion. Perhaps it is clear to you that Tarion would not receive our surveys directly, but it certainly was not clear to all of us. I do note your statement "report will be reviewed by the board, and submitted to Tarion." Again, what guarantee do we have that Tarion will receive the full report and documents? The builder and the property manager are not to be trusted, as evidenced by their previous and current inappropriate and unethical behaviour.
Blindgate was an attempted money-grab by the builder, and it didn't work out for them. Every condo builder is the same. They all try things and they are all greedy. Personally, Context tried worse things at Radio City. Owners all over the city have the same stories. From what I understand, the board has directly engaged the developer and their own lawyer over the two major issues since turnover: the lacking 5th floor terrace and leaky HVACs. Property management handles day-to-day stuff, and cannot sign any cheques without board member approval. What I am trying to say is that there is built-in accountability and monitoring.
I don't really understand the belief that we are exposing ourselves to any more potential antics on their part. If you believe we are exposing ourselves by employing a property management firm that is associated with the builder, that is fair. However, without actual proof of unethical practices by property management, we would be irrational to act, would we not? The board has no incentive (other than 1st year stability) to employ this firm if they are not doing a satisfactory job.
What unethical behaviour are you referring to when you reference the property manager? Did you address a letter to the board regarding said behaviour? I agree with you that owners should speak up if they feel slighted.
As far as the Performance Audit, I believe it will be submitted BY the engineering firm, with Tarion, the condo corp, and Times Group as recipients. There is no need to worry about anything getting lost in the mail.
I recently submitted the following issues on my questionnaire:
- Entrance stairs on Sherbourne St. (they pool water and snow)
- Rusty mailboxes on "town-home" units
- A chip in paint behind the glass in one of the elevators (must be a defect)
- Some issues on the exterior cladding of the building surrounding my unit (observed from my balconies)
