Strata owners — who make up nearly a quarter of Vancouver Island property owners — are going green, says the non-profit Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association.
Owners in many condo or townhouse complexes around Oak Bay have been suggesting “green” ideas to their strata councils, says association president Sandy Wagner.
LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations are among the green features that could benefit strata corporations, she says, noting that going green can help strata owners save on energy costs and attract buyers to their properties.
“Strata corporations have an obligation to spend the owners’ money wisely, and some stratas may be interested in spending now to save energy expenses in the future,” Wagner says.
The rising popularity of electric vehicles is quickly becoming a hot topic among strata owners, she adds.
“Many new complexes are equipped with charging stations and owners in older buildings are asking ‘How can we install them as well?’”
To help strata owners, the association is holding a seminar called Bright Ideas for Stratas on Sunday, June 26 at the Comfort Inn in Victoria.
Five guest speakers will provide attendees with useful facts and information to start planning for these projects at their stratas, or to get the conversation started among their residents.
Speakers include representatives from the Victoria Electric Vehicle Club, the Province of B.C.’s Multi Unit Residential Charging Program and an electrical design consultant from Houle Electric.
The seminar will also present case studies from two stratas, one that installed solar panels on their roof, and another that replaced inefficient outdoor lighting with LEDs.
The seminar, which includes a question-and-answer session with all speakers, runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Doors open at 12:15 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to pre-register by June 22. There is no charge for pre-registered Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association members; a non-member may pre-register at a cost of $20. Admission is $10 higher at the door, space permitting. Memberships will also be available at the door.
To pre-register, visit visoa-bright-ideas.eventbrite.ca or call 1-855-388-4762 before June 22.
The Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association is a non-profit organization that has provided information and education services to strata homeowners and strata councils on Vancouver Island since 1973.
