u/k-bugbug59

Hi all, long-time lurker, first-time poster. I live in a condo building in SW Calgary and have been increasingly frustrated with our management company over the past 2 years, and especially the last 6 months. I'm looking for advice on how to push for better service, and whether anyone has experience with Alberta's Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal (CDRT).

What we've dealt with in the last 6 months:

• Almost no communication. Nothing about board decisions or changes, and little notice of things happening in the building (fire alarm testing, garage door changes).
• Very slow response times. Email replies take 7-14 days, even for urgent issues. We've resorted to calling the emergency line because it's the only way to get a response.
• Poorly handled security issues. We had a series of garage break-ins last year, and the response showed little concern or follow-up.
• No way to reach the board. Most members don't seem available or present, there's no clear contact information, and only 3/6 seats are filled.

Condo fees run roughly $500-1,000/month depending on unit size (underground parking included), and the service we get doesn't feel in line with that.

My questions:

1. Has anyone taken a similar situation to the CDRT? Was it worth it, and what was the process like?
2. Are there steps I should take first, such as formal written complaints, requesting board meeting minutes, or asking for an owners' meeting?
3. Is there a realistic path to getting the board filled out or switching management companies?

I know a lot of this comes with condo living, but I'd like to find out what I can do to improve things. Thanks in advance!