As a resident of the Town of Cochrane for more than 14 years and someone who recently moved from a single-family home in Gleneagles to a duplex style condominium villa in Fireside I feel there is a need to share our experiences with folks who may be contemplating a similar move.
I feel it is important to share our experiences so folks can ask the right questions and make sure what they are getting into is for them. Don’t just trust the sales person to give you all the details regarding the development. Do your own due diligence and examine the requirements of the development permit and examine the plans to ensure that the landscaping is what you want.
If things are not as you would like, or expect, it is too late after you purchase to get things changed. When we purchased our home we were under the understanding that the complex was going to be sodded. Not true. Apparently the Town of Cochrane has a bylaw that requires that 50 per cent of condominium grounds be “naturescaping” which is just a fancy word for weeds and “natural” grasses. Further, the “naturescaping” is not irrigated nor cut. We failed to do our due diligence in this matter and now more than half, of what little back yard we have, is “natural.” Wonderful to sit on your patio and view the unkempt weeds and “natural” grasses. Apparently there is also a requirement for mulch as opposed to rocks. The only problem with the mulch is that it constantly has to be replaced and further it allows for more weeds if not properly installed. It should be noted that “naturescaping” is not required for non-condominium duplexes. All of this additional grounds maintenance adds to our condominium fees.
Our complex was built with pathways allowing for folks in the neighbourhood to walk through the complex on their way to the parks or the convenience store. It needs to be noted that the condominium complex is private property and owners are responsible for the maintenance of the grounds and have liability for any injuries which may occur on the property. It is wonderful in theory to allow these pathways, however, our experience is that all they do is create additional problems. Some examples include, people walking their dogs through the property and not cleaning up after them, children using the pathways as skateboard ramps, people parking in the complex to access the nearby park etc.
So why is all of this a problem? Cleaning up after pet owners costs the condominium association additional money. Children using the pathways as skateboard ramps creates liability issues for the condominium association. People parking in the complex inhibits residents access to their garages and impedes traf?c in the complex. It is interesting to note that since our condominium association has closed the pathways, people who wish to access the park with their children have taken to parking in the middle of the traf?c circle due to the lack of street parking near the park. In addition, the pathways and ?re gate also allows folks in the neighbourhood direct access to our backyards and thus the opportunity to “break in” sight unseen should they have such an inclination. Yes we have an alarm system for our security but that does not eliminate the potential that exists.
In addition to the above, if you choose to make a purchase and, move in before the project is complete, make sure you check your Real Property Report. There is a very good chance that some un?nished items may not be marked on the report. That of course would mean, should you ever choose to sell the property you will be responsible for obtaining a new updated Real Property Report at your cost.
The above are only some of the issues we have encountered in our time in this complex. I would also suggest that if anyone is contemplating making a move, please also do your “due diligence” by checking out the reputation of both the builder and the developer. One way to do that is to ask some of the people who have had recent experiences with both.
John Waddell
