Proxies need to be Curtailed in Condominiums

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Edward Brain

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  Let’s discuss some of the questions:

QUESTION:We attempted using proxies to get enough votes to remove our condominium’s directors. But they fell a bit short, Now the board has introduced a new proxy form naming a vice-president as proxy and “failing him, the president — and “failing him” a person to be named by the owner who signs the proxy instrument. Do I understand this correctly that if either the vice-president or president is at the meeting, they will be the proxy and a person named by the unit owner will not?

ANSWER:  Yes! The words “failing him” mean that unless both the vice-president and the president are not available one of them will be the proxy and the unit owner cannot choose the proxy.

Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas 2016

Posted on December 25, 2016 by Edward Brain

Christmas Tree at Eaton CentreI just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

I hope you get to spend time with your family and friends.

May all the blessings of Christmas be found for you and your family.  Continue reading →

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26th Annual Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Edward Brain

On Saturday December 3rd, 2016, south Etobicoke celebrated its 26th annual Santa Claus Parade.

The parade started at Dwight Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. in New Toronto, and continued west along Lake Shore Blvd. W. to 36th St. in Long Branch.

Here are some highlights of the parade: Continue reading →

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104th Grey Cup

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Edward Brain

Tonight, Sunday November 27th, 2016, Toronto hosts the 104th Grey Cup at BMO Field.  The West Division Champions, Calgary Stampeders with a record of 15-2-1, take on the East Division Champions, Ottawa Redblacks with a record of 8-9-1.

This is the first Grey Cup to be played at BMO Field, the stadium the Toronto Argonauts moved into at the beginning of the season.  However, this is the 48th time that Toronto has hosted the Grey Cup game, with the last time in 2012 at Rogers Centre (SkyDome.)

The Grey Cup

The Grey Cup

Both teams finished first in their respective divisions. Continue reading →

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Boards can Always get Second Opinion

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Edward Brain

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  Let’s discuss some of the questions raised:

QUESTION:  Is the board of directors obligated to accept the conclusions of a Reserve Fund Study?

ANSWER:  The board, within 15 days of receiving such a study, must propose a plan for the future financing of the reserve fund. The plan must ensure that, in accordance with the Condominium Act and regulations, the fund will be adequate to provide sufficient moneys for the major repairs and replacements of the common elements and assets of the corporation. These are calculated on the basis of the expected repair and replacement costs and the life expectancy of the common elements and assets.

Continue reading →

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Condominium Must Hold Annual Meeting

Posted on November 13, 2016 by Edward Brain

Gerry Hyman has another article for the Toronto Star.  Let’s discuss a couple of the questions:

QUESTION:  Two of our three board members own six units in our 13-unit condominium and have a proxy from another owner. But the board does not adhere to the Condominium Act and refuses to call the annual owners’ meeting. A vote to remove the directors would obviously fail. Is there anything we can do?

ANSWER: The Condominium Act permits an owner to apply to the Ontario Court for an order appointing an administrator if 120 days have passed since the turn-over meeting.

Continue reading →

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Remembrance Day 2016

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Edward Brain

Remembrance Day 2014 003 (1024x768)Today, November 11th 2016, we mark Remembrance Day in Canada and the sacrifices made by our military during the many conflicts Canada has been involved in.

Canadians have a long tradition of joining its allies in conflicts when required and to successfully fight in many difficult situations in order that we all may enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today.

So, if you are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada, please thank a veteran.

As an appropriate remembrance for all the sacrifices, here is “In Flanders Fields“, the poem written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae: Continue reading →

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Dave Broadfoot has Passed Away

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Edward Brain

It has been announced that longtime Canadian comedian Dave Broadfoot has passed away.  Mr. Broadfoot was 90 years young.

Mr. Broadfoot was born on December 5th, 1925 in Vancouver, British Coloumbia.  He would join the merchant navy in 1943 during World War II, serving until 1947.  He would go on to start appearing in community theatre, concentrating on comedy. Continue reading →

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Tristan Und Isolde Live in HD: Pairing Excellence with Confusion

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Edward Brain
Tristan und Isolde

Tristan und Isolde (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On October 8th, the Metropolitan Opera opened their 2016-2017 Live in HD series with the new production of Wagner’s epic Tristan und Isolde.  It was both wonderful and confusing.

The production stars Stuart Skelton as Tristan, Nina Stemme as Isolde, René Pape as King Marke, Ekaterina Gubanova as Brangäne, and Evgeny Nikitin as Kurneval.  The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra was under the direction of Sir Simon Rattle.  The director is Mariusz Treliński, with sets by Boris Kudlička. Continue reading →

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2016 MLB Wild Card Games

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Edward Brain

It took baseball until the final day of the regular season (October 2nd, 2016) to determine the teams who would qualify for the two wild card spots in both leagues, as well as who would be hosting the wild games.

In the American League (A.L.), the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox, allowing them to claim the first wild card spot and thus will be hosting the Baltimore Orioles, who finished third in the A.L. East, on Tuesday.  The Blue Jays won the A.L. East title last year, while Baltimore did not.  At the time of writing, neither team as announced who will be their starting pitcher.  The winner of this game will face off against the Texas Rangers. Continue reading →

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