FAQ

This section contains a list of answers to frequently asked questions. Residents are requested to submit questions for the Strata Council, property manager and caretaker via email.

Can I alter or have small renovations done in my suite?

Strata buildings are complex in that some components of your suite, such as the plumbing system, are interconnected with larger building systems. Before making any suite alterations, such as replacing a microwave oven or faucets, installing a TV mount, renovating floors or replacing a doorway, strata bylaws require you to contact the property manager and get permission from the strata council to ensure you do not inadvertently damage other parts of the building.

For Owners: Owners who want to make physical changes within their unit, including all structural renovations such as replacing flooring, installing new kitchen cabinets, replacing a microwave oven, mounting a TV, etc. must apply to the Property Manager, who can guide you through the process and provide you with the forms you will need for your application.

It is mandatory that owners obtain written approval and complete an assumption of liability form before making an alteration to a strata lot. Also ensure that you hire a licensed and insured contractor to perform the work.

Be sure to complete the application process more than 7 days before the planned start date of any work.

For Tenants: Tenants are advised to consult with their landlords regarding alterations and renovations.

What time can my construction team work until?

Contractor hours of operation are confined to between 8:00 am and 8:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Notification must be provided to the strata corporation by the strata lot owner of any contractor’s plan and purpose.

What do I do if I lost my mailbox key?

If you are a tenant, contact your landlord to see if they might have a spare key.

If you are an owner, please contact the caretaker for lock replacement.

Please note that the Quantum Strata Corporation does not have access to the mailboxes. Access is exclusively for Canada Post.

I think I saw silverfish, cockroaches, ants or bedbugs in my unit — what do I do?!

If you notice pests in your unit, please contact the caretaker, who will arrange for pest control.

Who maintains my unit?

If you are a tenant, your landlord is responsible for repair and maintenance of fixtures inside your suite.

If you are an owner, you are responsible for all repair and maintenance inside your unit. Please be advised that the Strata Corporation only maintains common property. Refer to the Responsibilities section of the Guidelines for details.

You need to know the location of the electrical panel and all the water shut off valves in your suite. You should also set a schedule for maintaining washing machine and dishwasher hoses, shut-off valves, toilet seals, and tile grout in the bathrooms.

What if I have a difficult neighbor?

We live in a multi-family dwelling unit with neighbours above, below and next door. Allowance has to be made for everyday living noises. Walking across the floor, taking a shower, doing laundry, visiting/barbecuing on a balcony, dogs occasionally barking and children sometimes running and playing, are examples of everyday living noises. Several people living in the building work shifts; which means that they work non-conventional hours.

If you feel that a neighbour is causing an unreasonable disturbance, please contact the Property Manager for direction.

What can I do if my neighbour smokes in the building or on their balcony?

Please report any incidents to the caretaker. Collect as much evidence as you can (cigarette butts, ash, photos) to allow the caretaker to identify and fine the responsible party.

Why are there spelling and grammar mistakes on the notices in the elevator?

The notices originate from a variety of sources, including contractors, and are often composed in a hurry to address an urgent issue.

Unfortunately, we do not have the time or resources to insert a copy-editing step into the notice process. We would rather have everyone involved spend their energy on building related issues rather than on correcting simple spelling-and-grammar mistakes.

Does the strata have any short term parking spots for rent to residents who have guests visit them for a few days?

Unfortunately, the Quantum Strata Corporation does not own any parking spots in the parkade. All spots are owned by individual strata lot owners, and the Strata Council is not in a position to rent out any spots.

The available visitors’ parking is extremely limited and we cannot allow vehicles to be parked there for longer than 12 hours, as that would be unfair to other residents.

Why are there so few guest parking spaces?

The developer (Bosa) was able to get permission from the City of New Westminster to provide fewer than usual guest parking spaces. Since all parking spaces in the building are allocated to specific owners and we do not own any space outside the building, there is unfortunately nothing that the Strata can do about this situation.

Could the Strata provide a power washing service for the balconies?

Unfortunately our budget does not allow for balcony cleaning. Residents are advised to clean their balconies by blocking the edges with old towels and using a mop and bucket to clean the area.

Could the inaccessible windows be cleaned more frequently?

Unfortunately our budget does not allow for more frequent window cleaning.

Could we install new/additional equipment in the fitness room?

We recently refreshed the Fitness Room. The Amenities Committee will recommend the replacement of old equipment or purchase of new equipment as needed.

What do I do when I see residents violating the move-in rules by moving large items without elevator padding or moving items through the lobby?

Please contact the Caretaker and/or Property Manager immediately so that they can take appropriate action.

Why are the stairway access doors locked?

All Owners may purchase stairwell keys for their floor from the caretaker. The stairwell to the left of the ground floor elevator lobby is accessible by key fob.

The Strata Council considers leaving the stairway access doors unlocked a security risk. We have consulted with the Fire Department and the City, and have been informed that the locked doors are not against the building or fire codes, since the doors can be opened from the residential corridors without a key, and egress is allowed on the ground and parkade floors without a key.

Can I attend council meetings?

All residents are welcome to attend any Strata Council meeting.

We request that residents planning to attend contact the Property Manager beforehand, since seating in the meeting room is extremely limited.

Please be aware that non council members will be asked to leave the meeting temporarily while matters pertaining to specific residents (e.g. arrears and so on) are discussed.

Can I Charge My Electric Vehicle in the Parkade?

No. The electrical outlets in the parkade are not rated for vehicle charging. Charging vehicles is a fire hazard and is not allowed.