WHAT'S NEW

"Homeowners Protection Act"
As of April 1, 2010 some responsibilities of the Homeowners Protection Act have been transferred to BC Housing and others to the Ministry of Finance. For more information click here.

"VISOA Seminar in Courtenay"
VISOA will hold a seminar  in Courtenay on Sunday March 21 from 1 to 4pm at the Best Western Westerly Hotel. The seminar will be the "Nuts and Bolts of Living in a Strata". We are looking forward to meeting our members and other strata owners living in this area. For more information click here. For the news release click here.

"Revised Strata Property Act and Regulations"
We have recently revamped our legislation page. Please take a look and let us know what you think.
We have also posted an annotated version of the Strata Property and Regulations which has been marked up to show where the changes are. We will continue to keep you up to date on any future changes.

"Petition Opposing BC HST"
If you wish to register your opposition to the proposed BC HST then you can get more information and sign a petition here.

"Changes to the Strata Property Act"
Changes to the Strata Property Act and Regulations means that some portions of the Instruction Guides will no longer be accurate or complete.
The Ministry of Housing and Social Development has posted two bulletins, one a disclaimer and the other concerns rental disclosure statements.
We strongly advise you to read these bulletins when consulting the Instruction Guides.
You Association will keep you up to date on any further changes and bulletins.
You can find more information at the web site or contact the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, PO Box 9844 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria BC, V8W 9T2 or phone 250 356-2688.

"Parts of  Bill 8 Now in Effect"
On December 10, 2009 the BC Government passed Order in Council No. 707 bringing into effect selected sections of Bill 8 - The Strata Property Amendment Act, 2009 and also amending the Strata Property Regulation. The Order in Council can be viewed here. The complete Bill 8 can be viewed here. The Order in Council has brought into effect many of the provisions of Bill 8 but has not implemented provisions for:
- access to the Provincial Court for strata disputes,
- requirement for a depreciation report,
- requirement for a financial audit, and
- new parameters for mediation and arbitration.
The Bill 8 provisions not implemented at this time require the development of extensive regulations. The BC government has not announced any public consultation or time line for the development of these regulations.
The latest Clark Wilson LLP news letter STRATAgies has a useful review of the new act and a cautionary note on Form G, the certificate of lien.

"Before You Buy A Condo"
Wouldn't it have been great to get some unbiased advice from existing condo owners before you purchased your first condo. Your Board has collaborated with Brian Smith of Nanaimo to create a website to provide this advice. It's called BeforeYouBuyACondo.com.