July 21, 2023
Update on Landscaping & Important Details on the 2023 AGM
Landscaping
Thanks to all of you that wrote in to Council about how our landscaping has been maintained, your concerns were most definitely heard and there has been a huge transformation. A big thank you to Terry, a resident owner who has taken on the task of the grounds, this property has never looked so good! Amazing to see what good old fashioned hard work and taking pride in what you do can accomplish.
AGM, we need more candidates!
We are hoping there will be fresh new candidates this year with this same type of pride of ownership running for Council. There is uncompleted work from the 2021 and 2022 AGMs as well as two new CRF expenditures suggested for this year. In order to catch up and ensure our property is well looked after, we need Council members who can make sound proposals for ownership and see projects through to completion. This is especially true given our recent Depreciation Report and how the current Council struggled over eight months to finalize. We’re hoping some owners who truly care about the building will jump in to help steer this ship!
AGM, virtual access and proxies
It’s disappointing to see that Council is finding it challenging to provide virtual access to the AGM. We recognize that many owners do not live in Kelowna, and without virtual access that leaves proxies as the only option to vote and raise concerns. Hopefully by next year Council will figure out how to do virtual meetings. Meanwhile, if you need someone to take your proxy to the AGM let us know. It’s important that you have your say on the CRF expenditures, new bylaw proposals and the election of Council members. A proxy holder can do all of that on your behalf as well as ask any questions you may have of Council.
Next Steps:
1. If you’re unable to attend the AGM and need someone to exercise your proxy please let us know and we will find someone to assist.
2. If you’re attending the AGM please let us know if you’d be willing to take proxies for your fellow owners.
3. If you’re wanting to run for Council send your candidate form into Rachel along with your bio. It’s important that Associa publish all bios before the AGM so that owners exercising proxies have the chance to review the candidates and can advise their representative who to vote for.
4. IF THE CURRENT COUNCIL INSTRUCTS RACHEL NOT TO DISTRIBUTE BIOS, we ask all owners to do the right thing and PLEASE instruct your proxy to only support new candidates running. This type of manipulation of democracy should have consequences.
Lastly we ask that you stay engaged, your opinion matters!
SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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July 26, 2022
Greetings to the Owners of Sunset Waterfront Resort:
It’s been a busy 2022 with many positive changes, most significantly the transformation of the lobby and mezzanine. A big thanks to the Improvement Committee that pulled this together as well as the residents who braved all the disruption. We now have an entrance that makes us proud to call Sunset Waterfront Resort our home and vacation getaway!
We would like to introduce you to the team who spent countless hours working to bring the lobby transformation to fruition.
The Team Lead : Shauna Rowell, Councilperson
The Volunteer Committee Members: Patti Ulveland; Linda McDougall; Lea Liddicoat.
And a very big thank you to Tom O’Neil, our new Building Manager, who was a great asset and help with all of the lighting installations.
Updates on what is yet to come. The lobby furniture is scheduled to arrive this week and the pool furniture now has an expected delivery of early September. It’s unfortunate that we’ve experienced such delays, however once in place hopefully all will agree that it was worth the wait.
An important update regarding this year’s AGM. The meeting is set for 6 pm on August 10th at the Ramada Conference Centre (2170 Harvey Avenue) and once again important items are on the agenda, including a 9.5% increase in Strata fees. We hope to have a full house and expect there will be a zoom link available for those that are unable to attend in person, but have no details at this point.
Lastly we encourage owners to consider running for Strata Council. We have such an amazing location and talented ownership. We need to capitalize on recent improvements and look to our future. It would be great to see all 7 council seats filled this year!
Your SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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SWR December 2021 Newsletter
Greetings Friends and Neighbours,
SWR Owners Group celebrates our second year together, proud to be a part of this wonderful community of owners. We are a very diverse group, comprised of owners who reside full time, owners who vacation, owners who rent long term and those who rent short term. We have a vested interest in ensuring this development provides a wonderful lifestyle for all, with continued investment income, a secure and well-maintained building that is the envy of Kelowna.
Reflecting on 2021: Security, Herbs and Flowers
There were some challenging situations in the beginning of summer as we unfortunately greeted guests who were not of the caliber our property is normally accustomed to. This caused a great deal of expense associated with Security and an added level of time and effort for our Strata Council as they struggled to work through the issues. The situation was mitigated by imposing fines and definite improvements were seen through July and August. This action taken by Strata was effective and very much appreciated.
Moving on to some of the positive changes that happened at SWR, starting with the pool level. Did you manage to get down to the herb garden and harvest any of the tomatoes, rosemary, basil, cilantro and all the other great herbs? A big thank you to Brenda and Patti for this much appreciated addition to our community. And let’s not forget the revamped floral planters by Lea, what an improvement! We also want to acknowledge the stunning transformation of the landscaping on the lagoon level grounds. We are so grateful to owners Terry and Diana for their time and dedication not only for the creation but also the continued maintenance of these gardens.
Looking Ahead to 2022: Poolside Colour and a Bit of Dust
2022 a new look, a new vibe, starting with exciting changes for our pool deck. New colourful patio furniture as well as three market umbrellas are on order and will hopefully be here by the time the sunscreen is required in June. Thank you to the Improvement Committee for making this happen.
And even more amazing changes coming in 2022 from our Improvement Committee. Brace yourself as it’s going to get messy. January 03 the transformation of the lobby begins. Starting with the tile removal, then on to the painting, the constructing of the new fireplace and new lighting. The theme is in keeping with the architecture of our building, a “modern Mediterranean” vibe. The timeline ends with the placement of the new tile February 02 - mid-March. The team recognizes all of this will be extremely disruptive and thanks you in advance for your patience and support. Every effort will be taken to ensure pathways are created so you can get to the parkade and to ensure your parcels and mail will be delivered with minimal disruption. Keep an eye out for updates from Strata and Dan while they work through the logistics.
The last big item of interest is the third level outdoor pathway. As you know a contingency fund expenditure of $200k was approved at the 2021 AGM to repair the existing pathway. Strata has now engaged a team of owners at SWR to seek a financially viable solution that will meet the needs of the community. Look for more details in the upcoming Strata minutes.
Going Forward: Let’s Maximize Our Potential
With the investments in our grounds and common areas we anticipate a payoff for not only the enjoyment of our owners, but also in our ability to once again attract the high value clientele that we want at SWR. We hope these investments are not just successful standalone items but lay the ground work for more improvements to come.
Would you like to be a part of making a positive impact to our community? There’s much to do and we’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply to get in touch!
In Closing
As the holidays approach we wish for all of you a Very Happy Holiday Season. May it bring you much joy and good health. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2022!
Your SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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July 19, 2021
Hello All:
In line with our goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort, we want to encourage all owners to carefully consider the AGM Special Levies for the upgrades to the lobby and pool as well as the proposed guest suite (G, H, I, J). It’s been 16 years since this property was constructed and in that time there have been no improvements. Meanwhile most of the suites have had extensive upgrades. Looking on recent Real Estate listings as well as Airbnb, many are gorgeous. Yet the amenities here pale in comparison. When considering the levies, it is important to look at the actual cost for your unit. In most cases the total is less than $1900 - a sum we believe will easily be paid back in less than a year via increased property values and higher rental income.
We also expect these improvements will assist in attracting a higher caliber of tenant than what we experienced in June (an unfortunate circumstance for the residents and a very unfortunate experience for the handful of nice families here on vacation).
Please consider all of this when making your decision. We still believe SWR has the best setting and the most potential of all of the properties on Sunset Drive, and is well worth our collective investment.
One last important item. We implore all owners to take two hours from their busy schedule to attend the AGM on August 4th. Access will be easy with the two options of either calling in or jumping onto zoom. By attending you have the opportunity to ensure your vote is cast and your investment protected. Although electronic, it is expected that this meeting will be conducted in similar fashion to all AGMs: with the ability to ask questions and have full dialogue on agenda items before votes are cast.
If you are unable to attend and need someone to execute your proxy on your behalf, please reply to [email protected] and we can get one of your neighbours to assist.
Thank you for allowing us to share our thoughts. Please feel free to reply to [email protected] if you have ideas on how we can further enhance and enrich Sunset Waterfront Resort.
Your SWR Owners' Group
see our website at: www.sunsetwaterfrontresortowners.com
Mission Statement: SWR Owners’ Group is a group of owners that supports all owners, promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort.
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June 21, 2021
SECURITY CONTACT With MISSING LINK & The BUILDING MANAGER
For Noise, Nuisance and Security, please contact Missing Link Security or the
Building Manager as follows:
Associa’ s afterhours is also available in case of emergency such as fire or
flood @ 250-860-5445.
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December 4, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbours
SWR Advocacy celebrates our first year together supporting friends and neighbours. We are proud and honoured to be a part of this wonderful community of owners. We are a very diverse group, comprised of owners who reside full time, owners who vacation, owners who rent long term and those who rent short term. We all have a vested interest in ensuring this development provides a wonderful lifestyle for all owners and residents, with continued investment income, and a secure and well-maintained building that is the envy of Kelowna. We continue to trust that our Strata Council is committed to overseeing the ongoing upkeep of this development with a commitment of working to bring together this diverse community at SWR. Advocacy is always willing to be a support to our united cause.
COVID – We are now under tightened restrictions in B.C. as case numbers rise. Wearing of a mask is now mandatory in all common areas in the building. We thank Strata Council for installing sanitation dispensers at the main, second and third floor elevators. Remember, 2 people only in elevators, unless you are a bubble. We all must do our part to reduce the risk to our residents and guests.
AGM – Many owners voiced concerns about holding a live closed AGM. With this pandemic, most owners are at extremely high risk. Advocacy was concerned for them. We also voiced concerns about our Town Hall that did not provide to all owners the opportunity to have open conversation, to discuss openly important issues that needed to be addressed. These are very trying times, with a global pandemic and understanding the challenges it brings. However, we were able to provide to Strata Council the means in which they could bring a fully interactive electronic AGM and Town Hall. Unfortunately, Strata Council declined to embrace that option for us, leaving us with a non-interactive closed AGM, with only a restricted proxy for important decisions that needed to be decided and voted on. We will continue to pursue opportunities that will benefit all owners of SWR. We are not the only voice here, but are committed to being a positive one for you.
CONGRATULATIONS –
We welcome our elected Strata Council and thank all who ran to represent us and this development.
WITH MANY THANKS - Many of you may have noticed the stunning transformation of the landscaping on the lagoon level grounds. You may not be aware of the countless hours of time dedicated by owners Terry and Diana to that transformation. We were witness to the hauling of rock, the pruning, the trimming, the raking and constant watering and grooming it all took. Diana also took on the care of our front entrance plantings. We are so grateful to them for their time and dedication providing to us the upscaled look. We thank them for their generosity. It is our honour to send a Tremendous THANK YOU to Terry and Diana, 114! You are so appreciated!
HELPFUL INFORMATION: Gas Fireplaces
If you have the standard gas fireplace the builder installed, you may be interested to know that they have discontinued that model. The manufacturer of the Napoleon gas fireplaces we have has said they usually have a lifespan of 15 - 25 years. At present most parts such as the thermocouple, battery back-up pack, and electrodes are still available but some are no longer being manufactured. According to the manufacturer, the doors with glass and gasket are no longer available, although if you scout around, you may be able to find one somewhere. They indicated that the pilot and igniter will be eventually discontinued for sure.
If you are one of many owners who are now doing renovations, you might be interested in knowing that for the first time, Fortis is offering a double rebate ($600 instead of $300) if you purchase a new high efficiency fireplace. We mention this to people doing renovations because if you add tile, stone or brick to your fireplace wall and the fireplace needs replacing at some point, you will need to take off some of the wall surrounding the fireplace in order to get it out.
If interested in the Fortis rebate, you must register before the end of December and install the new fireplace by March 31, 2021. Here is the link if you are interested.
https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates/home/natural-gas-fireplace-rebate
SPRINKLER PIPES/FLOODS/INSURANCE - We are now into winter weather, when in 2019 and January 2020, we had town home sprinkler pipes freeze and burst. As restoration for these floods has cost hundreds of thousands and can also affect our cost of insurance, as well as ability to get insurance, SWR Advocacy is hoping the pipes will soon be fixed in order to avoid a repeat of this in 2021.
SOCIAL EVENTS - Some events we have enjoyed over the last year included a dessert evening , a charcuterie board event and a poolside coffee & muffin morning. Unfortunately, we have been unable to hold any social events since Spring due to the pandemic. We are hopeful we can enjoy more of these as things improve in 2021.
PARKING CLUB - A number of Owners are willing to let others use their empty parking stall at no charge for one to several nights. This is to overcome the inherent problems we have with only being allowed to "Park for 1 Day over a 3 Day Period” in Visitor Parking when friends or family visit. The owner who originally headed up the club has moved away and therefore we are looking for someone to keep the group emails of persons in the club so that a notice can be sent out by that person to the members of the club when a spot is needed. It would only require maybe 5 minutes work each month!!! In order to keep the club up and running, we need a volunteer for that job as soon as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are willing to take on this position.
SUPPORT FOR OWNERS IN THE 2020 YEAR – The following is just a recap of some of the things SWR Advocacy Group has been instrumental in doing over the last year:
Please check out our newly created SWR Community Social Board in the mailroom!
This year, our neighbours at 1151 Sunset are asking residents here to light up their balconies or windows, with lights, wreaths, and tree lights AND to turn them on at 6pm on Dec. 12th
IN CLOSING - As the holidays approach we wish for all of you a Very Happy Holiday Season. May it bring you much joy and good health. Here’s to a better 2021!
SWR Advocacy Group
1128 Sunset Drive
Mission Statement: SWR Advocacy is a group of owners that supports all owners, promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching SWR.
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August 31, 2020
A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER!
As we head into Autumn, we want to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the issues that the Advocacy Group continues to work toward.
• AGM: We were pleased that the Strata Council responded to the many letters, emails, and a petition in regards to canceling the in-person AGM. The AGM will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks and we trust that the Strata Council recognizes the need to proceed with an electronic, interactive Town Hall meeting followed by an electronic, interactive AGM . The webinar that was held (not an interactive meeting) answered some of the submitted questions, however, many remained unanswered. Owners must have the opportunity for interaction with the Council to achieve clarity and full disclosure with regards to the expensive items on the AGM Agenda. Restricted proxies and Council ballots should also be provided and council nominees listed in appropriate, alphabetical order.
• COUNCIL ELECTIONS: We feel it important to note that many Council members have held positions in excess of 10 years. There are some who have attended few meetings (for example, one council member has attended 4/20 meetings, 1 in the past year) and should be disqualified from the ballot. This information is easily attainable from a review of the Council Minutes. There are many who have stepped forward to run for Council with the feeling that more balance and fresh ideas are needed. A fair election should not be too much to expect! Proxy ballots that were submitted prior to the AGM, and prior to last-minute nominees, should have been shredded. New ballots should be coming with new AGM information packages.
• SECURITY - This summer has seen a dramatic shift in the time allotment for Security on site. Without consultation, the Council opted to have Security on site ONLY on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm - 4 am. Unfortunately Rules and Bylaws are not just ignored on Friday and Saturday nights! Security is available to contact at other times, however, frequently are not in the immediate area to respond and by the time they could respond, the infraction was either “over” or the individuals had left the unit. We are aware that many complaints have been
reported in the summer months. Several guests commented on the inability to reach Security - receiving voicemail when they called - as well as not having a Security guard present when an infraction was occurring (on other than Fri. or Sat nights). We know of at least two groups who were vacationing at SWR with the intention of buying in our development. After issues with loud neighbours, smoking on decks, vulgarities at the pool and off the deck, these individuals have opted not to purchase here. The frequent comment was “there’s no security here…why would I buy and leave an expensive property unattended”.
• There have been several incidents of groups using the pool in our complex, who are not residents or renters in SWR. To cite just a couple this week, a group came from Discovery Bay (admitted that was where they were from when an owner asked) and another large group from outside the complex who brought their street clothes and changed poolside before having their ride pick them up! It is unclear how they are accessing the property - who is providing Fobs or opening the door for them, but it is not acceptable that we are operating a Public Pool! Again, a security and enforcement issue.
• Several residents have requested, on numerous occasions, a coded lock at the pool entrance. This would deter uninvited guests, as well as be a safeguard to prevent children from accessing the pool deck and pool without an adult. There have been times when children have been observed in the pool, unattended. Ensuring both safety and security is imperative.
• Security needs to be reinstated - at least from May (when we see an upsurge in wedding/bachelor/bachelorette parties) until late September - on a daily basis. We have done this in the past to provide a safe environment during the “peak” vacation season, as well as the first few weeks of student renters moving in. It is not a reflection of the Security Company - but rather an ill-advised decision by the Strata Council.
It is interesting to note that a neighbouring Strata of similar size, levied fines of a total of $9200 for violations (smoking, noise, improper use of property) in one month! They use the same Security company as SWR. It doesn’t appear that they have a different clientele, but rather that they enforce their rules and implement the fines. They are able to offset a significant portion of the cost of their Security because they have them on-site AND they give them the authority to enforce their bylaws and rules. Our Strata has a low enforcement rate, with approximately
28% of the ‘reported infractions’ resulting in fines. If the Bylaws and Rules of the Strata are breached, fines should be levied.
• CONCIERGE: It has been suggested, in the past and again more recently, that the building should consider a Concierge - especially for the peak short-term rental months. This individual would be able to control who is coming and going in the building; monitor the number of guests visiting a unit; ensuring that Covid-19 protocols are being observed; and ensure that appropriate documentation and review of Rules and Bylaws is completed for rental guests. This would be an
enhancement that should be largely offset by the units that short-term rent.
• BUSINESS LICENCE: A reminder that ALL units that short-term rent MUST have a valid City of Kelowna Business Licence. The Business Licence number must be displayed on any ads for the rental. The numbers of people allowed to rent must also be displayed. There are 2-bedroom units advertised to sleep 10 people (The City bylaw states 2 adults/bedroom). It presents as a “great deal” for a large group splitting the cost of nightly rental. But unfortunately tends to bring the party people and not the families that used to frequent - and enjoy - our building. This is not the type of clientele that enhances the lives of those who live in full time - or those who look forward to visiting their unit in the summer months. Those who obtain licences must also sign off on the Good Neighbour Bylaw. This should encourage renting units to screen their guests diligently! We all want to be good neighbours!
• FOB AUDIT - The Advocacy Group would like to see the Strata Council undertake a FOB audit. There are excessive numbers “out there” and our Strata has never had an audit to determine how many need to be deactivated. A resident was told that the FOBS automatically deactivate if not used in a 4 month period. That information is inaccurate as several non-residents who use their units a few times a year (or even less frequently) can attest to the fact that their fobs work even if not used within a four month period! Again, this is an easy way to enhance the security of our building.
• INSURANCE - We continue to advocate for all owners with regards to Insurance. Many have found it difficult to obtain insurance to cover the $250,000 deductible that we are faced with. A note has gone out with contacts for some insurance brokers who may be able to assist owners in obtaining coverage. It is concerning that some Strata Owners do not believe they need the coverage. Some have indicated that, in the event of a catastrophic claim, the Strata would
cover the deductible on their behalf. This is not true! The owner will be liable for the deductible.
• The Advocacy Group would like to see the Strata Council consider a Bylaw that would require a) Unit Inspections and remediation as determined by an independent inspector and b) Proof Of Strata Insurance. These are items that could help reduce the cost of our Insurance in the coming years, as well as protect all owners should a catastrophe occur.
• It should be noted, that prior to the first major insurance claim due to the freezing water line in a townhome, the insurance claims were primarily for preventable “water events” - refrigerator hoses and dishwasher hoses bursting and causing floods.Every Strata owner has an obligation to ensure that their fixtures are appropriately sealed and that hoses to appliances, sinks, etc. are in good shape and secured properly. Water sensors and automatic shut-off valves are
a smart investment.
• LONG RANGE CAPITAL PROJECT PLANNING - these are outlined in the Depreciation Report. The Strata Council should, in the coming months, provide a detailed plan for the funding of capital projects. The focus must be on functional projects - not expensive beautification projects.
• LAGOON GATE: Most owners are not aware that the Lagoons/Dolphins has received City approval to put up a gate on the lagoon walkway between the last unit of the Lagoons and first townhome of SWR. The gate will be open during daytime hours, but locked in the evening. They have allowed foot traffic through their breezeway during daytime hours, but have now lobbied to “gate” their community (including their driveway) due to increased security issues from “neighbors”. From our understanding, the breezeway and gate will be accessible during their posted hours. The driveway will be gated. It is unfortunate that we will see a wall dividing
the neighborhood.
• COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: The Government continues to have many guidelines in place with regards to Covid-19 pandemic. According to Public Health sources, these guidelines will be in place indefinitely. We encourage all owners to respect the guidelines and ensure that their guests and/or renters do as well. It is for the health and well-being of ALL that these guidelines be followed and enforced.
• If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either the Advocacy Group at [email protected] or to our Strata Council. To contact Council, you must send e-mails or direct phone calls to Rachel at Associa Management Company. [email protected] or 250-860-5445.
• CHOA (Condominium Homeowners Association of BC) is a valuable resource for Strata-related information. There are many free webinars and archived articles available for anyone to view. www.choa.bc.ca We hope this information provides “food for thought” as we continue to lobby to restore SWR to the premiere residence that it should be.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
The Advocacy Group
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June 28, 2020
Dear Council:
This weekend a family member checked in on our unit. He does this frequently. He contacted
us afterward to express concern about the impressive LACK of precautions being taken in our
building in relation to the current pandemic.
He noted that there was no one attending to cleaning that he could see. There was “gunk” on
the elevator panel. He waited for several turns at the elevator as groups were frequently
getting on. Not just 2 persons or one family at a time. He also noted that no one that he saw
in the time he was there was wearing a mask. He was quite uncomfortable (even masked) with
the situation.
When he was in the unit, he heard loud music and ventured out on the deck to see if he could
figure out where it was coming from…apparently a deck. He also noted that there were at least
15 people in the pool and there were 12 people in the hot tub and lining the perimeter of it with
feet in.
Seriously, this is a major problem. Obviously our Strata is not complying with the directives of
the Provincial Health Officer.
In these challenging times, the Strata must go above and beyond to protect the residents and
the guests. Short-term accommodation is a huge challenge. We are interested in knowing:
According to a lawyer in Vancouver providing a webinar for CHOA (Ms. Lisa Mackle), our
insurer could revoke coverage based on “hotel use” (short-term accommodation less than 30
days) and liability issues arising from this.
If the Strata continues to permit Short-Term rentals during this pandemic, it needs to employ
full-time coverage in the lobby to monitor entrance/exit and elevator use/physical distancing.
Masks should be a requirement in common areas - understandably not in the pool. The
Fitness Center must be closed. A second individual should be monitoring the pool area for
compliance with numbers and physical distancing, as well as ensuring individuals shower
before entering the pools. The bathrooms adjacent to the pool area should be monitored for
cleanliness and supplies (particularly hand soap, sanitizer and paper towel) very regularly (i.e.
hourly).
We appreciate that these are significant added costs and should be borne by the owners of
short-term rental units. The Strata Council has a legal obligation to ensure the health and
safety of all residents and guests. Fines should be administered fully. People know the rules
and should not be given “warnings” when they break the rules. These are not times to “play
nice”.
We appreciate that many owners rely on the income from renting units but all owners have a
collective responsibility to ensure the health and safety of those that occupy the building (fulltime
owners, part-time owners, long-term renters, and currently short-term accommodation
users). That must preclude the wants of a few. There have been many Government aid
packages put in place that we suspect many would be able to access. There are very few
people who have not been financially impacted by the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
pandemic. That cannot be the excuse.
It is a summer like no other. We must treat it that way.
On Friday June 26, 2020, a condominium building in Calgary announced 40 people tested
positive for COVID-19. 31 were active cases with 9 recovered and 3 remaining in hospital.
This highlights the incredible challenge faced by large buildings and exponentially by shortterm
accommodation rentals. And, it should be noted, this is not a building that has short-term
rentals.
We trust that we will hear back from Council in the next few days outlining what practices are
currently in place and what restrictions will be implemented- and enforced- in the coming
weeks.
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January 15, 2020
For Immediate Release: Sunset Strata's Form Group To Discuss Common Neighborhood Interests
Strata council members from all Sunset Drive condo developments representing more than 1100 units have come together to discuss common issues affecting their neighborhood. The group has representatives from all six current Sunset Drive developments including; The Lagoons (Glenn Martin and Abe Reimer, President and Vice President); Discovery Bay (Doug Rutherford and Wilf Palaniuk, President and Vice President and Peter Stanton, Council Member); Sunset Waterfront Resort (Geoff Marsh, Council Member); Waterscapes (Mike Martin and Lia Woods, President and Council Member); 1151 (Jason Pope and Robert Heyworth, President and Treasurer), and The Dolphins (Neil McHaffie and Harry Bensler Council Member and Vice President).
Tentatively calling themselves the Community of Sunset Drive Stratas the group was formed by Lea Liddicoat and Wilf Palaniuk, both long time condo owners at Sunset Waterfront Resort and Discovery Bay. “In the next couple of years there’s going to be more than a thousand new condos in the few square blocks around Sunset Drive. We felt it would be beneficial to area residents and owners if we could get the strata’s to meet periodically to discuss common issues and speak with a unified voice to city leaders”, according to group founder Lea Liddicoat.
The group has met twice; once in October and again in December. At their most recent meeting the following key issues were identified; short-term rental guidelines, speeding on Sunset Drive, security and safety given the growing number of thefts and break-ins, a chronic lack of parking, and development plans for the recently shut down Tolko mill. “We’re going to reach out to City Hall and the local RCMP detachment. Hopefully they will meet with us to discuss these area challenges”, according to Mike Martin, Waterscapes Strata President.
In addition to getting clarification on topics like the city’s new short-term rental guidelines they hope to provide their input on other important issues facing the north Kelowna neighbourhood.
Strata members from upcoming new Sunset Drive developments will be invited to join the group as new building construction is completed.
Update on Landscaping & Important Details on the 2023 AGM
Landscaping
Thanks to all of you that wrote in to Council about how our landscaping has been maintained, your concerns were most definitely heard and there has been a huge transformation. A big thank you to Terry, a resident owner who has taken on the task of the grounds, this property has never looked so good! Amazing to see what good old fashioned hard work and taking pride in what you do can accomplish.
AGM, we need more candidates!
We are hoping there will be fresh new candidates this year with this same type of pride of ownership running for Council. There is uncompleted work from the 2021 and 2022 AGMs as well as two new CRF expenditures suggested for this year. In order to catch up and ensure our property is well looked after, we need Council members who can make sound proposals for ownership and see projects through to completion. This is especially true given our recent Depreciation Report and how the current Council struggled over eight months to finalize. We’re hoping some owners who truly care about the building will jump in to help steer this ship!
AGM, virtual access and proxies
It’s disappointing to see that Council is finding it challenging to provide virtual access to the AGM. We recognize that many owners do not live in Kelowna, and without virtual access that leaves proxies as the only option to vote and raise concerns. Hopefully by next year Council will figure out how to do virtual meetings. Meanwhile, if you need someone to take your proxy to the AGM let us know. It’s important that you have your say on the CRF expenditures, new bylaw proposals and the election of Council members. A proxy holder can do all of that on your behalf as well as ask any questions you may have of Council.
Next Steps:
1. If you’re unable to attend the AGM and need someone to exercise your proxy please let us know and we will find someone to assist.
2. If you’re attending the AGM please let us know if you’d be willing to take proxies for your fellow owners.
3. If you’re wanting to run for Council send your candidate form into Rachel along with your bio. It’s important that Associa publish all bios before the AGM so that owners exercising proxies have the chance to review the candidates and can advise their representative who to vote for.
4. IF THE CURRENT COUNCIL INSTRUCTS RACHEL NOT TO DISTRIBUTE BIOS, we ask all owners to do the right thing and PLEASE instruct your proxy to only support new candidates running. This type of manipulation of democracy should have consequences.
Lastly we ask that you stay engaged, your opinion matters!
SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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July 26, 2022
Greetings to the Owners of Sunset Waterfront Resort:
It’s been a busy 2022 with many positive changes, most significantly the transformation of the lobby and mezzanine. A big thanks to the Improvement Committee that pulled this together as well as the residents who braved all the disruption. We now have an entrance that makes us proud to call Sunset Waterfront Resort our home and vacation getaway!
We would like to introduce you to the team who spent countless hours working to bring the lobby transformation to fruition.
The Team Lead : Shauna Rowell, Councilperson
The Volunteer Committee Members: Patti Ulveland; Linda McDougall; Lea Liddicoat.
And a very big thank you to Tom O’Neil, our new Building Manager, who was a great asset and help with all of the lighting installations.
Updates on what is yet to come. The lobby furniture is scheduled to arrive this week and the pool furniture now has an expected delivery of early September. It’s unfortunate that we’ve experienced such delays, however once in place hopefully all will agree that it was worth the wait.
An important update regarding this year’s AGM. The meeting is set for 6 pm on August 10th at the Ramada Conference Centre (2170 Harvey Avenue) and once again important items are on the agenda, including a 9.5% increase in Strata fees. We hope to have a full house and expect there will be a zoom link available for those that are unable to attend in person, but have no details at this point.
Lastly we encourage owners to consider running for Strata Council. We have such an amazing location and talented ownership. We need to capitalize on recent improvements and look to our future. It would be great to see all 7 council seats filled this year!
Your SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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SWR December 2021 Newsletter
Greetings Friends and Neighbours,
SWR Owners Group celebrates our second year together, proud to be a part of this wonderful community of owners. We are a very diverse group, comprised of owners who reside full time, owners who vacation, owners who rent long term and those who rent short term. We have a vested interest in ensuring this development provides a wonderful lifestyle for all, with continued investment income, a secure and well-maintained building that is the envy of Kelowna.
Reflecting on 2021: Security, Herbs and Flowers
There were some challenging situations in the beginning of summer as we unfortunately greeted guests who were not of the caliber our property is normally accustomed to. This caused a great deal of expense associated with Security and an added level of time and effort for our Strata Council as they struggled to work through the issues. The situation was mitigated by imposing fines and definite improvements were seen through July and August. This action taken by Strata was effective and very much appreciated.
Moving on to some of the positive changes that happened at SWR, starting with the pool level. Did you manage to get down to the herb garden and harvest any of the tomatoes, rosemary, basil, cilantro and all the other great herbs? A big thank you to Brenda and Patti for this much appreciated addition to our community. And let’s not forget the revamped floral planters by Lea, what an improvement! We also want to acknowledge the stunning transformation of the landscaping on the lagoon level grounds. We are so grateful to owners Terry and Diana for their time and dedication not only for the creation but also the continued maintenance of these gardens.
Looking Ahead to 2022: Poolside Colour and a Bit of Dust
2022 a new look, a new vibe, starting with exciting changes for our pool deck. New colourful patio furniture as well as three market umbrellas are on order and will hopefully be here by the time the sunscreen is required in June. Thank you to the Improvement Committee for making this happen.
And even more amazing changes coming in 2022 from our Improvement Committee. Brace yourself as it’s going to get messy. January 03 the transformation of the lobby begins. Starting with the tile removal, then on to the painting, the constructing of the new fireplace and new lighting. The theme is in keeping with the architecture of our building, a “modern Mediterranean” vibe. The timeline ends with the placement of the new tile February 02 - mid-March. The team recognizes all of this will be extremely disruptive and thanks you in advance for your patience and support. Every effort will be taken to ensure pathways are created so you can get to the parkade and to ensure your parcels and mail will be delivered with minimal disruption. Keep an eye out for updates from Strata and Dan while they work through the logistics.
The last big item of interest is the third level outdoor pathway. As you know a contingency fund expenditure of $200k was approved at the 2021 AGM to repair the existing pathway. Strata has now engaged a team of owners at SWR to seek a financially viable solution that will meet the needs of the community. Look for more details in the upcoming Strata minutes.
Going Forward: Let’s Maximize Our Potential
With the investments in our grounds and common areas we anticipate a payoff for not only the enjoyment of our owners, but also in our ability to once again attract the high value clientele that we want at SWR. We hope these investments are not just successful standalone items but lay the ground work for more improvements to come.
Would you like to be a part of making a positive impact to our community? There’s much to do and we’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply to get in touch!
In Closing
As the holidays approach we wish for all of you a Very Happy Holiday Season. May it bring you much joy and good health. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2022!
Your SWR Owners’ Group
Mission Statement:
SWR Owners’ Group supports all owners and promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort (SWR)
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July 19, 2021
Hello All:
In line with our goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort, we want to encourage all owners to carefully consider the AGM Special Levies for the upgrades to the lobby and pool as well as the proposed guest suite (G, H, I, J). It’s been 16 years since this property was constructed and in that time there have been no improvements. Meanwhile most of the suites have had extensive upgrades. Looking on recent Real Estate listings as well as Airbnb, many are gorgeous. Yet the amenities here pale in comparison. When considering the levies, it is important to look at the actual cost for your unit. In most cases the total is less than $1900 - a sum we believe will easily be paid back in less than a year via increased property values and higher rental income.
We also expect these improvements will assist in attracting a higher caliber of tenant than what we experienced in June (an unfortunate circumstance for the residents and a very unfortunate experience for the handful of nice families here on vacation).
Please consider all of this when making your decision. We still believe SWR has the best setting and the most potential of all of the properties on Sunset Drive, and is well worth our collective investment.
One last important item. We implore all owners to take two hours from their busy schedule to attend the AGM on August 4th. Access will be easy with the two options of either calling in or jumping onto zoom. By attending you have the opportunity to ensure your vote is cast and your investment protected. Although electronic, it is expected that this meeting will be conducted in similar fashion to all AGMs: with the ability to ask questions and have full dialogue on agenda items before votes are cast.
If you are unable to attend and need someone to execute your proxy on your behalf, please reply to [email protected] and we can get one of your neighbours to assist.
Thank you for allowing us to share our thoughts. Please feel free to reply to [email protected] if you have ideas on how we can further enhance and enrich Sunset Waterfront Resort.
Your SWR Owners' Group
see our website at: www.sunsetwaterfrontresortowners.com
Mission Statement: SWR Owners’ Group is a group of owners that supports all owners, promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching Sunset Waterfront Resort.
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June 21, 2021
SECURITY CONTACT With MISSING LINK & The BUILDING MANAGER
For Noise, Nuisance and Security, please contact Missing Link Security or the
Building Manager as follows:
- 7:00am - 3:00pm (Building Manager) 250-258-9251
- 3:00pm - 7:00pm (Missing Link) 250-938-2060
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm (Missing Link) 250-826-4976
- 10:00pm - 7:00am (Missing Link) 250-241-2523
Associa’ s afterhours is also available in case of emergency such as fire or
flood @ 250-860-5445.
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December 4, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbours
SWR Advocacy celebrates our first year together supporting friends and neighbours. We are proud and honoured to be a part of this wonderful community of owners. We are a very diverse group, comprised of owners who reside full time, owners who vacation, owners who rent long term and those who rent short term. We all have a vested interest in ensuring this development provides a wonderful lifestyle for all owners and residents, with continued investment income, and a secure and well-maintained building that is the envy of Kelowna. We continue to trust that our Strata Council is committed to overseeing the ongoing upkeep of this development with a commitment of working to bring together this diverse community at SWR. Advocacy is always willing to be a support to our united cause.
COVID – We are now under tightened restrictions in B.C. as case numbers rise. Wearing of a mask is now mandatory in all common areas in the building. We thank Strata Council for installing sanitation dispensers at the main, second and third floor elevators. Remember, 2 people only in elevators, unless you are a bubble. We all must do our part to reduce the risk to our residents and guests.
AGM – Many owners voiced concerns about holding a live closed AGM. With this pandemic, most owners are at extremely high risk. Advocacy was concerned for them. We also voiced concerns about our Town Hall that did not provide to all owners the opportunity to have open conversation, to discuss openly important issues that needed to be addressed. These are very trying times, with a global pandemic and understanding the challenges it brings. However, we were able to provide to Strata Council the means in which they could bring a fully interactive electronic AGM and Town Hall. Unfortunately, Strata Council declined to embrace that option for us, leaving us with a non-interactive closed AGM, with only a restricted proxy for important decisions that needed to be decided and voted on. We will continue to pursue opportunities that will benefit all owners of SWR. We are not the only voice here, but are committed to being a positive one for you.
CONGRATULATIONS –
We welcome our elected Strata Council and thank all who ran to represent us and this development.
- Brian Pedersen; 15th year serving as President on Strata Council - Non Resident owner, Realtor, Property Manager
- Cindy Weiss; 15th year serving as secretary on Strata Council – Resident owner
- Wayne Salisbury; 5th year serving on Strata Council - Non Resident owner, Property Manager
- Marc Whittemore, 8th year serving on Strata Council - Non Resident owner
- Brian Atkins, Second year serving on Strata council - Resident owner
- Shauna Rowell; newly elected - Non Resident owner, short term renter
- Mike Rowell; newly elected - Non Resident owner, short term renter
WITH MANY THANKS - Many of you may have noticed the stunning transformation of the landscaping on the lagoon level grounds. You may not be aware of the countless hours of time dedicated by owners Terry and Diana to that transformation. We were witness to the hauling of rock, the pruning, the trimming, the raking and constant watering and grooming it all took. Diana also took on the care of our front entrance plantings. We are so grateful to them for their time and dedication providing to us the upscaled look. We thank them for their generosity. It is our honour to send a Tremendous THANK YOU to Terry and Diana, 114! You are so appreciated!
HELPFUL INFORMATION: Gas Fireplaces
If you have the standard gas fireplace the builder installed, you may be interested to know that they have discontinued that model. The manufacturer of the Napoleon gas fireplaces we have has said they usually have a lifespan of 15 - 25 years. At present most parts such as the thermocouple, battery back-up pack, and electrodes are still available but some are no longer being manufactured. According to the manufacturer, the doors with glass and gasket are no longer available, although if you scout around, you may be able to find one somewhere. They indicated that the pilot and igniter will be eventually discontinued for sure.
If you are one of many owners who are now doing renovations, you might be interested in knowing that for the first time, Fortis is offering a double rebate ($600 instead of $300) if you purchase a new high efficiency fireplace. We mention this to people doing renovations because if you add tile, stone or brick to your fireplace wall and the fireplace needs replacing at some point, you will need to take off some of the wall surrounding the fireplace in order to get it out.
If interested in the Fortis rebate, you must register before the end of December and install the new fireplace by March 31, 2021. Here is the link if you are interested.
https://www.fortisbc.com/rebates/home/natural-gas-fireplace-rebate
SPRINKLER PIPES/FLOODS/INSURANCE - We are now into winter weather, when in 2019 and January 2020, we had town home sprinkler pipes freeze and burst. As restoration for these floods has cost hundreds of thousands and can also affect our cost of insurance, as well as ability to get insurance, SWR Advocacy is hoping the pipes will soon be fixed in order to avoid a repeat of this in 2021.
SOCIAL EVENTS - Some events we have enjoyed over the last year included a dessert evening , a charcuterie board event and a poolside coffee & muffin morning. Unfortunately, we have been unable to hold any social events since Spring due to the pandemic. We are hopeful we can enjoy more of these as things improve in 2021.
PARKING CLUB - A number of Owners are willing to let others use their empty parking stall at no charge for one to several nights. This is to overcome the inherent problems we have with only being allowed to "Park for 1 Day over a 3 Day Period” in Visitor Parking when friends or family visit. The owner who originally headed up the club has moved away and therefore we are looking for someone to keep the group emails of persons in the club so that a notice can be sent out by that person to the members of the club when a spot is needed. It would only require maybe 5 minutes work each month!!! In order to keep the club up and running, we need a volunteer for that job as soon as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are willing to take on this position.
SUPPORT FOR OWNERS IN THE 2020 YEAR – The following is just a recap of some of the things SWR Advocacy Group has been instrumental in doing over the last year:
- Creating the Sunset Strata Association, a group with representatives from all 6 Stratas on Sunset Drive who will work together to share ideas and bring forth positive change for the good of all involved. Stratas in the group include the Dolphins, the Lagoons
- Discovery Bay, Waterscapes, 1151, Sunset Waterfront and will soon include the newly constructed towers of One Water.
- Researching and forwarding Plumbing information to owners with regard to shut off valves, water sensors and upgrades .
- Lobbying for a safe and inclusive AGM while informing owners of their rights with regard to voting and attendance at the meeting, as outlined by CHOA (the Condominium Home Owners Association).
- Sending information to owners regarding heat and open windows during the winter months.
- Informing owners about thefts as soon as they occurred in the parkade.
- Making suggestions to Council for improved Security.
- Informing Short-Term Rental Owners about the new City Bylaws, Requirement for Licences, Fines, etc.
- Informing owners about the increase of our strata water deductible to $250,000 and where to get coverage for that higher amount.
- Sending information to owners as Covid restrictions for BC condos changed over the year.
- Offering support to residents during the pandemic, as posted on our bulletin board. We were able to help residents a number of times by picking up groceries & supplies for them when they were unable to do so.
- Advocacy has encouraged and will continue to encourage long-range planning for Capital Projects and ongoing repairs and improvements of our Common Property at SWR.
Please check out our newly created SWR Community Social Board in the mailroom!
This year, our neighbours at 1151 Sunset are asking residents here to light up their balconies or windows, with lights, wreaths, and tree lights AND to turn them on at 6pm on Dec. 12th
IN CLOSING - As the holidays approach we wish for all of you a Very Happy Holiday Season. May it bring you much joy and good health. Here’s to a better 2021!
SWR Advocacy Group
1128 Sunset Drive
Mission Statement: SWR Advocacy is a group of owners that supports all owners, promotes inclusivity, transparency, and open dialogue toward the common goal of enhancing and enriching SWR.
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August 31, 2020
A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER!
As we head into Autumn, we want to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the issues that the Advocacy Group continues to work toward.
• AGM: We were pleased that the Strata Council responded to the many letters, emails, and a petition in regards to canceling the in-person AGM. The AGM will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks and we trust that the Strata Council recognizes the need to proceed with an electronic, interactive Town Hall meeting followed by an electronic, interactive AGM . The webinar that was held (not an interactive meeting) answered some of the submitted questions, however, many remained unanswered. Owners must have the opportunity for interaction with the Council to achieve clarity and full disclosure with regards to the expensive items on the AGM Agenda. Restricted proxies and Council ballots should also be provided and council nominees listed in appropriate, alphabetical order.
• COUNCIL ELECTIONS: We feel it important to note that many Council members have held positions in excess of 10 years. There are some who have attended few meetings (for example, one council member has attended 4/20 meetings, 1 in the past year) and should be disqualified from the ballot. This information is easily attainable from a review of the Council Minutes. There are many who have stepped forward to run for Council with the feeling that more balance and fresh ideas are needed. A fair election should not be too much to expect! Proxy ballots that were submitted prior to the AGM, and prior to last-minute nominees, should have been shredded. New ballots should be coming with new AGM information packages.
• SECURITY - This summer has seen a dramatic shift in the time allotment for Security on site. Without consultation, the Council opted to have Security on site ONLY on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm - 4 am. Unfortunately Rules and Bylaws are not just ignored on Friday and Saturday nights! Security is available to contact at other times, however, frequently are not in the immediate area to respond and by the time they could respond, the infraction was either “over” or the individuals had left the unit. We are aware that many complaints have been
reported in the summer months. Several guests commented on the inability to reach Security - receiving voicemail when they called - as well as not having a Security guard present when an infraction was occurring (on other than Fri. or Sat nights). We know of at least two groups who were vacationing at SWR with the intention of buying in our development. After issues with loud neighbours, smoking on decks, vulgarities at the pool and off the deck, these individuals have opted not to purchase here. The frequent comment was “there’s no security here…why would I buy and leave an expensive property unattended”.
• There have been several incidents of groups using the pool in our complex, who are not residents or renters in SWR. To cite just a couple this week, a group came from Discovery Bay (admitted that was where they were from when an owner asked) and another large group from outside the complex who brought their street clothes and changed poolside before having their ride pick them up! It is unclear how they are accessing the property - who is providing Fobs or opening the door for them, but it is not acceptable that we are operating a Public Pool! Again, a security and enforcement issue.
• Several residents have requested, on numerous occasions, a coded lock at the pool entrance. This would deter uninvited guests, as well as be a safeguard to prevent children from accessing the pool deck and pool without an adult. There have been times when children have been observed in the pool, unattended. Ensuring both safety and security is imperative.
• Security needs to be reinstated - at least from May (when we see an upsurge in wedding/bachelor/bachelorette parties) until late September - on a daily basis. We have done this in the past to provide a safe environment during the “peak” vacation season, as well as the first few weeks of student renters moving in. It is not a reflection of the Security Company - but rather an ill-advised decision by the Strata Council.
It is interesting to note that a neighbouring Strata of similar size, levied fines of a total of $9200 for violations (smoking, noise, improper use of property) in one month! They use the same Security company as SWR. It doesn’t appear that they have a different clientele, but rather that they enforce their rules and implement the fines. They are able to offset a significant portion of the cost of their Security because they have them on-site AND they give them the authority to enforce their bylaws and rules. Our Strata has a low enforcement rate, with approximately
28% of the ‘reported infractions’ resulting in fines. If the Bylaws and Rules of the Strata are breached, fines should be levied.
• CONCIERGE: It has been suggested, in the past and again more recently, that the building should consider a Concierge - especially for the peak short-term rental months. This individual would be able to control who is coming and going in the building; monitor the number of guests visiting a unit; ensuring that Covid-19 protocols are being observed; and ensure that appropriate documentation and review of Rules and Bylaws is completed for rental guests. This would be an
enhancement that should be largely offset by the units that short-term rent.
• BUSINESS LICENCE: A reminder that ALL units that short-term rent MUST have a valid City of Kelowna Business Licence. The Business Licence number must be displayed on any ads for the rental. The numbers of people allowed to rent must also be displayed. There are 2-bedroom units advertised to sleep 10 people (The City bylaw states 2 adults/bedroom). It presents as a “great deal” for a large group splitting the cost of nightly rental. But unfortunately tends to bring the party people and not the families that used to frequent - and enjoy - our building. This is not the type of clientele that enhances the lives of those who live in full time - or those who look forward to visiting their unit in the summer months. Those who obtain licences must also sign off on the Good Neighbour Bylaw. This should encourage renting units to screen their guests diligently! We all want to be good neighbours!
• FOB AUDIT - The Advocacy Group would like to see the Strata Council undertake a FOB audit. There are excessive numbers “out there” and our Strata has never had an audit to determine how many need to be deactivated. A resident was told that the FOBS automatically deactivate if not used in a 4 month period. That information is inaccurate as several non-residents who use their units a few times a year (or even less frequently) can attest to the fact that their fobs work even if not used within a four month period! Again, this is an easy way to enhance the security of our building.
• INSURANCE - We continue to advocate for all owners with regards to Insurance. Many have found it difficult to obtain insurance to cover the $250,000 deductible that we are faced with. A note has gone out with contacts for some insurance brokers who may be able to assist owners in obtaining coverage. It is concerning that some Strata Owners do not believe they need the coverage. Some have indicated that, in the event of a catastrophic claim, the Strata would
cover the deductible on their behalf. This is not true! The owner will be liable for the deductible.
• The Advocacy Group would like to see the Strata Council consider a Bylaw that would require a) Unit Inspections and remediation as determined by an independent inspector and b) Proof Of Strata Insurance. These are items that could help reduce the cost of our Insurance in the coming years, as well as protect all owners should a catastrophe occur.
• It should be noted, that prior to the first major insurance claim due to the freezing water line in a townhome, the insurance claims were primarily for preventable “water events” - refrigerator hoses and dishwasher hoses bursting and causing floods.Every Strata owner has an obligation to ensure that their fixtures are appropriately sealed and that hoses to appliances, sinks, etc. are in good shape and secured properly. Water sensors and automatic shut-off valves are
a smart investment.
• LONG RANGE CAPITAL PROJECT PLANNING - these are outlined in the Depreciation Report. The Strata Council should, in the coming months, provide a detailed plan for the funding of capital projects. The focus must be on functional projects - not expensive beautification projects.
• LAGOON GATE: Most owners are not aware that the Lagoons/Dolphins has received City approval to put up a gate on the lagoon walkway between the last unit of the Lagoons and first townhome of SWR. The gate will be open during daytime hours, but locked in the evening. They have allowed foot traffic through their breezeway during daytime hours, but have now lobbied to “gate” their community (including their driveway) due to increased security issues from “neighbors”. From our understanding, the breezeway and gate will be accessible during their posted hours. The driveway will be gated. It is unfortunate that we will see a wall dividing
the neighborhood.
• COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS: The Government continues to have many guidelines in place with regards to Covid-19 pandemic. According to Public Health sources, these guidelines will be in place indefinitely. We encourage all owners to respect the guidelines and ensure that their guests and/or renters do as well. It is for the health and well-being of ALL that these guidelines be followed and enforced.
• If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either the Advocacy Group at [email protected] or to our Strata Council. To contact Council, you must send e-mails or direct phone calls to Rachel at Associa Management Company. [email protected] or 250-860-5445.
• CHOA (Condominium Homeowners Association of BC) is a valuable resource for Strata-related information. There are many free webinars and archived articles available for anyone to view. www.choa.bc.ca We hope this information provides “food for thought” as we continue to lobby to restore SWR to the premiere residence that it should be.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
The Advocacy Group
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June 28, 2020
Dear Council:
This weekend a family member checked in on our unit. He does this frequently. He contacted
us afterward to express concern about the impressive LACK of precautions being taken in our
building in relation to the current pandemic.
He noted that there was no one attending to cleaning that he could see. There was “gunk” on
the elevator panel. He waited for several turns at the elevator as groups were frequently
getting on. Not just 2 persons or one family at a time. He also noted that no one that he saw
in the time he was there was wearing a mask. He was quite uncomfortable (even masked) with
the situation.
When he was in the unit, he heard loud music and ventured out on the deck to see if he could
figure out where it was coming from…apparently a deck. He also noted that there were at least
15 people in the pool and there were 12 people in the hot tub and lining the perimeter of it with
feet in.
Seriously, this is a major problem. Obviously our Strata is not complying with the directives of
the Provincial Health Officer.
In these challenging times, the Strata must go above and beyond to protect the residents and
the guests. Short-term accommodation is a huge challenge. We are interested in knowing:
- 1. Exactly what protocols are in place for registering guests?
- 2. What questions are being asked re: health and travel?
- 3. Who is maintaining records for tracking purposes should an individual test positive for
- COVID-19 and contact tracing be required?
- 4. What documentation are they being required to sign with regards to liability of the Strata?
- 5. Who is enforcing the regulations?
According to a lawyer in Vancouver providing a webinar for CHOA (Ms. Lisa Mackle), our
insurer could revoke coverage based on “hotel use” (short-term accommodation less than 30
days) and liability issues arising from this.
If the Strata continues to permit Short-Term rentals during this pandemic, it needs to employ
full-time coverage in the lobby to monitor entrance/exit and elevator use/physical distancing.
Masks should be a requirement in common areas - understandably not in the pool. The
Fitness Center must be closed. A second individual should be monitoring the pool area for
compliance with numbers and physical distancing, as well as ensuring individuals shower
before entering the pools. The bathrooms adjacent to the pool area should be monitored for
cleanliness and supplies (particularly hand soap, sanitizer and paper towel) very regularly (i.e.
hourly).
We appreciate that these are significant added costs and should be borne by the owners of
short-term rental units. The Strata Council has a legal obligation to ensure the health and
safety of all residents and guests. Fines should be administered fully. People know the rules
and should not be given “warnings” when they break the rules. These are not times to “play
nice”.
We appreciate that many owners rely on the income from renting units but all owners have a
collective responsibility to ensure the health and safety of those that occupy the building (fulltime
owners, part-time owners, long-term renters, and currently short-term accommodation
users). That must preclude the wants of a few. There have been many Government aid
packages put in place that we suspect many would be able to access. There are very few
people who have not been financially impacted by the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
pandemic. That cannot be the excuse.
It is a summer like no other. We must treat it that way.
On Friday June 26, 2020, a condominium building in Calgary announced 40 people tested
positive for COVID-19. 31 were active cases with 9 recovered and 3 remaining in hospital.
This highlights the incredible challenge faced by large buildings and exponentially by shortterm
accommodation rentals. And, it should be noted, this is not a building that has short-term
rentals.
We trust that we will hear back from Council in the next few days outlining what practices are
currently in place and what restrictions will be implemented- and enforced- in the coming
weeks.
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January 15, 2020
For Immediate Release: Sunset Strata's Form Group To Discuss Common Neighborhood Interests
Strata council members from all Sunset Drive condo developments representing more than 1100 units have come together to discuss common issues affecting their neighborhood. The group has representatives from all six current Sunset Drive developments including; The Lagoons (Glenn Martin and Abe Reimer, President and Vice President); Discovery Bay (Doug Rutherford and Wilf Palaniuk, President and Vice President and Peter Stanton, Council Member); Sunset Waterfront Resort (Geoff Marsh, Council Member); Waterscapes (Mike Martin and Lia Woods, President and Council Member); 1151 (Jason Pope and Robert Heyworth, President and Treasurer), and The Dolphins (Neil McHaffie and Harry Bensler Council Member and Vice President).
Tentatively calling themselves the Community of Sunset Drive Stratas the group was formed by Lea Liddicoat and Wilf Palaniuk, both long time condo owners at Sunset Waterfront Resort and Discovery Bay. “In the next couple of years there’s going to be more than a thousand new condos in the few square blocks around Sunset Drive. We felt it would be beneficial to area residents and owners if we could get the strata’s to meet periodically to discuss common issues and speak with a unified voice to city leaders”, according to group founder Lea Liddicoat.
The group has met twice; once in October and again in December. At their most recent meeting the following key issues were identified; short-term rental guidelines, speeding on Sunset Drive, security and safety given the growing number of thefts and break-ins, a chronic lack of parking, and development plans for the recently shut down Tolko mill. “We’re going to reach out to City Hall and the local RCMP detachment. Hopefully they will meet with us to discuss these area challenges”, according to Mike Martin, Waterscapes Strata President.
In addition to getting clarification on topics like the city’s new short-term rental guidelines they hope to provide their input on other important issues facing the north Kelowna neighbourhood.
Strata members from upcoming new Sunset Drive developments will be invited to join the group as new building construction is completed.