May 1, 2025 - Blog Post

The Importance of Education for Condo Board Directors

It has been a while since I last produced a blog post. I have one in the works regarding security cameras, but I am waiting on a review from a colleague to check and confirm the content.  Along with that, I have also been working on creating an online Condo Board Director’s course.  While it is taking time, I believe the result will be worth it. I started this endeavour because I really believe in the power of education. Not all board directors are created equal.  Neither do they all have the same experiences or skills. However, much of what a board director needs to know can be learned.  Since my attention has been on education and I have been remiss to my readers I decided to write this one on education.

There are many educational resources within CCI that can help anyone willing to learn what they need to make informed, lawful, and effective decisions that impact the entire condominium community. This is important for the following reasons:

1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Directors are responsible for ensuring the condominium operates within the framework of local laws, building codes, and condo bylaws. Education helps them understand these requirements and avoid costly legal mistakes.
2. Financial Oversight: Condo boards manage significant budgets, reserve funds, and contracts. Education in financial literacy and reserve planning helps directors safeguard the community’s financial health.
3. Risk Management: Understanding insurance, maintenance responsibilities, and liability helps prevent risks that could lead to lawsuits or safety hazards.
4. Effective Governance: Training helps directors understand their roles, avoid conflicts of interest, and promote transparency and accountability.
5. Conflict Resolution: Boards often face disputes between residents or with vendors. Education in communication and conflict resolution improves the board’s ability to handle issues diplomatically.
6. Strategic Planning: A well-informed board can make long-term decisions about capital improvements, sustainability, and property value protection.
7. Credibility and Trust: Educated directors are more likely to earn the trust and respect of residents, fostering a positive and cooperative community environment.

How do you onboard new directors or do you?  How do you develop knowledge and skills for your current board members?  Having a solid plan can help.  To help with your planning I offer the following sample training plan and checklist for new condo board directors or a review for current directors to help them build a strong foundational skillset and effectively manage their responsibilities:

Condo Board Director Training Plan and Checklist

1. Orientation and Onboarding (First 2 Weeks)

• Review condo declaration, bylaws, and rules.
• Understand the role of the board vs. the property manager.
• Meet with the property manager to understand ongoing issues.
• Get a copy of recent meeting minutes and financial reports.
• Learn about current projects and upcoming decisions.

2. Essential Education Areas (Within First 2 Months)

Governance and Legal Basics

• Learn about the Condominium Act and the Condo Regulations.
• Understand director duties: fiduciary duty, duty of care, conflict of interest.
• Learn how to hold and run effective board meetings.

Financial Management

• Understand the annual budget and reserve fund.
• Learn to read financial statements.
• Review the process for special assessments and fee collections.
• Understand audit and insurance responsibilities.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Understand responsibilities (common elements vs. units).
• Review the maintenance plan including the recommendations from the Reserve Fund Study (RFS) and any proposed capital projects.
• Learn about vendor selection and contract management.

Resident Relations and Communication

• Learn best practices for handling resident complaints.
• Understand how to communicate decisions effectively and transparently.
• Learn about dispute resolution and mediation.

Risk Management and Insurance

• Review insurance coverage (property, liability, D&O).
• Understand risk management practices (safety inspections, legal exposure).

3. Optional Advanced Training (Ongoing)

• Attend seminars/webinars by CCI.
• Take courses in financial literacy or construction basics.
• Stay updated on changes in legislation.

4. Ongoing Practices

• Attend all board meetings and prepare in advance.
• Review all board documents regularly.
• Participate in strategic planning sessions.
• Encourage education for fellow board members.

I have written several blogs that cover a number of the recommendations stated and our monthly webinars further that education. Developing a learning culture within your board and perhaps even in your condo community can make for a much better understanding of the issues facing every condo corporation and can assist the community in making better decisions among your directors and owners. The opportunities and resources are out there you just have to make an effort to use them. Remember that as a CCI-NS condo corp or business member all your owners or employees have access to all the resources we offer. See you at the next webinar.

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia