Building on a Strong Foundation

As I write this message I’m preparing to step into the role as President of CCI-Toronto. Two years under the guidance and leadership of Murray Johnson has flown by and has been full of pandemic related challenges that Murray has navigated with calm leadership and a smile. Over the last two years, our organization (along with everyone else!) has overcome many challenges pivoting into a virtual environment.

As we look towards the next two years, the challenges aren’t finished yet. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all do business and we’re left to figure out the new way of doing things. At our Annual General Meeting, we debated the virtual vs. in person meetings for condominium corporations – an issue that still seems to be divided. At CCI-Toronto, this translates to a need to re-evaluate the way that we deliver educational programming and provide networking opportunities.

The success of the 2022 Condo Conference, in partnership with the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario, is perhaps an indication that many are ready to return to in-person events. It was so wonderful to see hundreds of delegates and exhibitors connecting face-to-face for the first time since 2019! Early comments from those in attendance left me hopeful that we will soon put social distancing behind us and have a real opportunity to interact outside of Zoom meetings.

But returning in person is not the only challenge the condominium industry faces. Over the last 5 years we’ve really developed a sense of the role that the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) and the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority (CMRAO) play in the condominium market in Ontario. It’s important that CCI-Toronto maintains a strong advisory presence as new regulatory changes are implemented, and that our educational offerings really enhance the basic education that new condo directors receive through the CAO.

During my upcoming two years as President, I hope to ensure that CCI-Toronto remains relevant in our changing marketplace, that we develop strong industry partnerships that support condominium owners in Ontario, and that we continue to expand on the abilities of Redstone Agency to bring our organization into the future. Now that we’ve completed one year together, Redstone has begun to truly understand the needs of the organization and to provide meaningful advice on how we can best provide services to our members. I am blessed to have a professional, capable, and fun Board to work with in developing the future of CCI-Toronto.

Of course, it’s so important that while we evolve into the new normal, we maintain our strong roots and we don’t forget what has made our organization so successful in the past. So, cheers to the next two years, but also to the over 40-year history of our organization. To Murray, thanks for your leadership over the last two years and for your tireless efforts on behalf of CCI-Toronto and all it’s members!

Lyndsey McNally, OLCM, LCCI