Spring Starts at Red Haus
A Letter from the President
Greetings, neighbours:
SPRING STIRS THE WORLD AWAKE. Like a good stretch after a long nap. A deep breath, arms reaching, heart opening. There’s a promise in the morning’s first light, a hope on the breeze. And I feel my own great return. Like clockwork, this shift in the season prompts me into action, whether it’s a deep cleaning at home, switching up a familiar routine, or dusting off an old idea that I feel ready to embrace.
There’s a freedom that comes with being curious — with cultivating a sense of interest in the world and our place in it, the exploration of all that could be when we’re willing to dwell in the potential of our imagination.
It can be easy to see the possibility as something that we’re waiting on, that only happens by chance. But I’ve come to learn it’s also something we can pursue. We can, with hopeful expectations, choose to innovate on what we’ve always known. In leaping, we can dare to see old things in new ways.
That idea has always resonated with me, especially relating to governance here at Red Haus. We take a closer look at our spring (project) starts like increasing Shift Suite usage, AGM preparation, and the planning of annual property maintenance.
Access Shift Suite, the new communications portal. Require a guest parking pass? Wish to formalize a noise complaint? Shift Suite is your new online concierge. Shift Suite has replaced Condo Control as our new communications portal, it is the real-time source for owner and tenant communication.
For Shift Suite access, owners and residents must first request their temporary login credentials from the site office. Proof of identification is required, so visit the office in person, or email office staff using a previously registered email address.
AGM Save-the-Date. We look forward to seeing all owners (or their proxies) and interested residents at our upcoming AGM on May 27 at 6pm, Royal Oak Victory Church. Chaired by our new General Manger, Kelly Varns, she along with your board, and auditor, will walk you through the four primary tenets of responsible governance here at Red Haus, namely: operations, finances, security, and communications.
We will be taking your questions in advance (due to limited time at the AGM), answers for which will be prepared for all in attendance. Questions can be emailed to manager@redhauscondos.com.
Patio Spring Cleaning. As we transition into warmer days and enjoy more time outdoors — and on our patios — we ask that you take note of the reminders below as they relate to safety, respectful noise levels, and common bylaw infractions.
Upcoming Property Maintenance. To welcome new growth and spring blooms, tending to property green space and garden beds has begun. The irrigation system will soon be blown-out, weeding and pruning scheduled, we are topping up gravel and mulch areas, and replacing damaged grass from ice-melt and dog urine. Parkade and stall cleaning will take place in June. Please watch your inboxes for more information.
So with spring upon us, I encourage you to lean into the pull of curiosity. Who knows, maybe what was once unnoticeable or deemed impossible may gloriously become… possible.
And as always, with an ever-curious outlook and ever-open to possibility, your Board of Directors and I endeavour to move this community forward in a safe, thoughtful, and fiscally responsible manner.
With blooming possibility,
— Don McKenzie | President, Red Haus Board of Directors
Spring Cleaning & Set-Up
Preparing our patios (exclusive-use areas) and green spaces (common areas)
for everyone’s enjoyment
CLARIFYING Exclusive-Use AreaS VS. COMMON AREAS
Common areas are owned by everyone — green spaces, lobbies, hallways, and garbage rooms, gym, and resident lounge. Owners have full autonomy over their individual units, however, there are exclusive-use areas that are part of the common area ownership and governance. At Red Haus, patios (on main floor) and balconies (second floor and up) are considered exclusive-use areas, which encompasses exterior siding, railings, doors, windows, and ground surface. Also considered exclusive-use areas are your titled (or leased) parking stalls and your titled (or leased) storage units. By proximity, there is a common misconception that these areas are owned by the landlord; they are not, they are owned by the condo corporation. Owners have more accurately purchased the use of these areas, which are subject to condo bylaws and related governance.
As such, the following reminders are enforceable by Red Haus Condominium bylaws, infractions for which are subject to fines.
what is permitted on my patio?
Furniture: Be it a tidy storage chest, bistro set ,or small patio table and chairs, manufactured outdoor furniture is permitted for patios and balconies.
Planters + Plant Pots: Free-standing flower pots and planters with appropriate water catching trays or saucers are required. These will minimize staining to your patio floor and will also catch water, that will otherwise spill onto the patio below. Kindly make every effort to ensure this doesn’t happen, so not to disturb neighbour’s property. Planters may not be suspended from siding or railings.
Surface Cleaning: We all take pride in our outdoor spaces. So as you clean your patio this spring and summer, we ask that you be extra mindful of the patios below you. When mopping your patio, kindly refrain from pushing dirty water off the sides — unbeknownst to you, this soapy mess showers down on your neighbour’s space below, who would appreciate their tidy patio kept that way.
Cooking outdoors: Natural gas or electric barbecues are permitted, kept at least two 2 feet from the building when in use.
WHAT IS NOT PERMITTED ON MY PATIO
Nothing can be attached to or suspended from your patio or balcony railing. Restricted items include (but are not limited to) string lights (permitted December 1- January 15 only), fencing, planters, signs, or laundry.
No propane barbecues, charcoal briquette barbecues, smokers, barbecue wood chips, wood-burning devices, or open fires are allowed anywhere on the Red Haus property.
Chimineas, wood burners, fire tables, fire bowls, fire pit benches, portable fireplaces, outdoor hearths, fire stoves, or any other outdoor fire receptacle is not permitted on exclusive-use or common areas.
What is not permitted ON PATIO DOORS, WINDOWS, or AGAINST GLASS
To maintain uniformity of our property from the outside, the following are not permitted as per our bylaws.
Window Coverings: Bed sheets or flags may not be used as window coverings. Coloured or patterned curtains or blinds may not be visible from the exterior of the building. Curtains and blinds must be white, off-white or ivory. Curtains can be lined with white, off-white or ivory to comply.
Signs, stickers, tinting, stained glass, foil, window film, toys or decorative objects are not permitted on glass or leaning against it (windows or doors) without Board approval. A discretely positioned security system sticker is an exception.
Seasonal wreaths, just like Holiday wreaths, may not face the hallway or patio, but may face the inside of your unit.
what is not PERMITTED ON PATIOs and patio surfaces
Dog or Cat waste: Due the unsightly and unsanitary nature of animal waste, bylaws do not permit patio or balcony use for animal refuse, including the use of pee pads (General U) .
Bicycle Storage: Bicycles, tricycles and scooters may not be stored on or locked against your patio or balcony. There is a bicycle cage in the parkade for residents. Access is provided through the Site Office.
Other household items not permitted on your patio or balcony include exercise equipment, sofas, freezers, electrical appliances, packing boxes, paints, electronic equipment, appliances or vehicle tires.
Bird Feeders or Bird Feed: Though kind and enjoyable, the feeding of or harbouring of birds or rodents is not permitted due to the costly damage and contamination they bring.
Flags, wind chimes, or wind socks are not permitted on patios or in doorways.
Smoking on Exclusive-Use and Common Areas: Bylaws stipulate the responsible disposal of smoking material in fire-retardant receptacles on your patio or balcony, or other designated areas, ensuring this receptacle is filled with either sand or water. Cigarette butts, matches, or other smoking or combustible materials may not be tossed from windows or over balconies, patios or anywhere on the Common Property.
Garbage, recycling, and compost may not be stored on patios, instead collected in your suite and disposed off in designated garbage huts.