Understanding Inclusivity in Condominium Governance
Effective governance in condominium communities should foster fairness, diversity, and equity for all owners. Unintentional exclusion can occur when policies or meeting procedures do not consider the needs of diverse residents.
Key Concepts in Inclusive Governance:
Equity vs. Equality:
Equality means treating all owners the same.
Equity ensures fair treatment by considering different needs and circumstances.
Example: A condominium board holds meetings at times that prevent some owners from attending due to work or religious commitments. Adjusting meeting times or offering online participation promotes equity.
Legislative Requirements for Inclusivity:
Alberta’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, disability, or religion.
The Condominium Property Act (CPA) emphasizes fair governance practices, ensuring that board decisions align with the rights of all owners.
Identifying Barriers to Inclusivity in Governance
Condominium managers play a key role in identifying and addressing governance practices that unintentionally exclude certain owners.
Common Inclusivity Gaps in Governance Policies:
Meeting Accessibility Issues:
Meetings scheduled without considering religious or work schedules.
Lack of translation services or accessible formats for owners with disabilities.
Bias in Decision-Making Processes:
Boards giving preferential treatment to certain owners or vendors.
Enforcement of bylaws inconsistently applied among residents.
Lack of Representation in Governance:
The board does not reflect the diversity of the condominium community.
Policies are created without gathering input from a wide range of owners.
Failure to Consider Different Financial Circumstances:
Special assessments or fee increases may disproportionately impact lower-income owners.
Alternative payment options or flexible solutions can help accommodate financial diversity.
Evaluating Board Decisions for Inclusivity
Boards must ensure that all governance decisions consider the diverse needs of the community.
Checklist for Evaluating Board Decisions:
Are all owners given equal opportunity to participate in meetings?
Do board policies reflect a fair balance of different community needs?
Are rules and bylaws enforced consistently for all owners?
Does the board proactively gather input from underrepresented groups?
Are communication methods accessible to all owners (e.g., multiple languages, digital and print formats)?
A condominium manager should regularly review board policies using this checklist to ensure compliance with inclusivity best practices.
Creating an Equity and Inclusivity Audit Checklist
To ensure a condominium corporation upholds fair governance, managers can implement an equity and inclusivity audit.
Steps to Conduct an Inclusivity Audit:
Review Governance Documents:
Examine bylaws, policies, and past board decisions for any exclusionary language or unintended bias.
Survey Residents for Feedback:
Gather input from owners about their experiences with board decisions and governance practices.
Identify common concerns or barriers to participation.
Assess Accessibility of Meetings & Policies:
Ensure meeting formats, decision-making processes, and voting procedures are accessible.
Provide alternative participation methods for owners who cannot attend in person.
Recommend Policy Adjustments:
Identify changes the board can implement to improve inclusivity and equity.
Work with the board to integrate fair governance practices into decision-making.
Equity & Inclusivity Audit
Scenario:
A condominium board implements a new rule restricting the use of common areas. Some residents feel the policy unfairly impacts specific groups, but the board insists it applies to everyone equally.
Task:
Identify inclusivity concerns within the board’s decision.
Evaluate whether the policy aligns with inclusivity principles under the CPA.
Propose adjustments to ensure fairness and transparency.
