All units have fans installed in their bathroom ceilings. The fans vent air to the outdoor balcony. A properly working exhaust fan supports heat savings in winter as windows can remain closed. Such a fan also supports a reduction of in-unit relative humidity and condensation on windows. You should run your fan each time you have a shower.

As they age, many of these fans become quite loud as they wear and some eventually stop working altogether. Typically the electric motor wears out and fails so replacements are required.

Most stores sell only complete bathroom fans, i.e. the covering grille, the internals and the external housing.

While it is possible to replace the complete outer housing, all internals and the cover grill, this is a complex job. The original bathroom fans in our building were installed such that their metal outer housing is literally cast in concrete. Removal is quite difficult and often requires subsequent repairs to the surrounding ceiling.

Most economical and simple is to limit replacement to the fan motor and the fan blade. All other parts are cleaned and stay in place.

While many suppliers cannot find a suitable cross-reference to modern fans, our Superintendents have sourced a complete off-the-shelf fan assembly that can be purchased in many stores. The motor and fan blade of this assembly can quite easily be installed mechanically in the original fan box in the ceiling. The electrical connection is by means of a plug within the fan box. No electrician is required.

The NuTone basic fan, model 696NC, is currently available and has the fitting internals. It is fairly straightforward to remove the motor and fan blade from the new 696NC unit and install them in the existing, original bathroom fan housing as replacements. The rest of the 696NC unit would be scrap. The complete material cost is about $27.00 + tax.
Bathroom fan maintenance or replacement are the responsibility of the unit owner. The Superintendents can be contacted to assess if the 696NC motor and fan blade will fit the fan installed in your unit.

If you need a contractor to help you please contact me.

Fire system upgrade: Our fire warning system is out of date and will require upgrades. The Board is working on details of what, when and at what cost. You may expect a meeting of owners on this subject.

Elections at 2015 AGM: There will be elections for Directors – two for three year terms and one for a two year term.

Reserve Fund Study (RFS): We have commissioned a new RFS by another engineering firm. The outcome will help determine when we can schedule various projects.

Elevator maintenance: We have a new contract in place as of March 1, 2015

Lobby renovation: The RFS we will show whether a full-scale reno will be possible soon. Alternatively, we will consider some more modest, temporary changes.

Exercise rooms: We are considering changing the layout and purposes of the gym, billiards room and table tennis room.

Routine maintenance: The property manager will be encouraged to schedule minor painting and cleaning by the staff.

Automatic doors: We have approved installation of powered doors at all corridor entrances to P2 and P1.

Insurance: Please see below.

If you have comments you may email them to Doug Brandy

Insurance

Please be sure you have your own homeowners insurance. In the event of a loss your policy may need to cover damage where you have made changes to the “standard unit”. You may also be responsible for up to $5000 of the condo corporation’s deductible.

Please refer to our insurance post for more info. Also see insurance for your unit and more info regarding insurance.

The November, 2014 issues is here.

Auditor’s Report: the 2013 report was approved and the same auditing firm was selected for this year. Minutes of 2013 AGM: the minutes were approved Board activity: appreciation was expressed for the Board’s work Election of Directors: Christopher Morris accepted a one-year position; elected for three-year terms: Mohammad Ashoori, Doug Brandy, Chris Bulman If you would like more info please contact me.

Fire system upgrade: The safety of all residents is our #1 priority. We have an older fire protection system that will eventually need replacement. Your Board has engaged outside experts to advise us on what we will need to do and when.

Swimming pool: We are seeking renegotiation of our current agreement with the neighboring building.

New windows: Preliminary data suggest we have realized significant energy savings with the installation of new windows and other conservation measures.

Volunteers: The Board thanks everyone who has helped with landscaping, newsletters, dinners and recycling. You make our community a better place to live.

AGM:  Tentative date is Tuesday, June 10. There will be 4 Director positions open for election. We encourage owners to consider serving our community on the next Board.

The March, 2014 issue is here.

The Board will update you and hear your input on current issues.

Sunday, April 6, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., Perrier Room

This guide will help you make informed decisions when buying a condo. It will also take you through your rights and responsibilities as a condo owner.