Jamie Nykolaishen, B.Comm, LLB, ACCI
It is the duty of condominium corporations to maintain the common property and common facilities of their complex. Many condominium corporations have adopted bylaws which are intended to maintain a uniform “curb appeal” to the condominium complex, and may do so by setting style guidlines such as the style of doors or mailboxes that can be used and limiting certain items being placed on the exterior of a unit such as decorative items and signs. Another limitation used for this purpose is a limitation on signage.
With our provincial and civic elections currently underway, many condo owners may be wondering if they are entitled to visibly support their preferred candidates. There are special provisions in The Condominium Property Act which allow unit owners to display election advertising posters in or on the owner’s unit during elections like those which is being held this fall. However, the condominium corporation can still set limits in regards to the location of the advertising posters or the size/style of the posters, so if you are unsure as to whether your signage is allowable, talk to a board member of your condominium corporation . Any election posters must be removed within seven days after the date of the election.
On a similar note, you may soon be faced with enthusiastic campaigners making their way through your condominium complex. The Saskatchewan legislation allows candidates and their agents to enter the condominium complex in order to canvass or distribute election materials. There are, however, some steps the candidates must follow in order to be allowed within the condominium complex, either within a unit or on common property. If you would like to ensure that only proper representatives enter your property, please take note of the following:
- Before entering a unit or any common property for which an owner exercises exclusive use, a candidate shall give his or her name and address to the corporation or to a person authorized for the purpose by the corporation.
- Before entering a unit or any common property for which an owner exercises exclusive use, an authorized agent or representative of a candidate shall:
- Give his or her name and address to the corporation or to a person authorized for the purpose by the corporation; and
- If requested to do so by the corporation or person mentioned above, produce the candidate’s written authorization that appoints him or her as an authorized agent or representative.
I hope that this information helps maintain respect and understanding in your condo community.
