#WeSpeakCondo

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Emiel Bril, CEO and Co-Founder of VendorPM, about innovation, technology, vendor procurement, and the future of condo management. They discuss why the condominium industry has traditionally moved slowly, how technology can help property management companies reduce risk and improve vendor selection, and why rising costs are forcing buildings to operate more efficiently. Emiel also shares thoughts on how artificial intelligence could eventually help condo boards and managers access information faster, make better decisions, and improve the way buildings are managed. A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, vendors, consultants, and anyone interested in the future of condominium management.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Tyson noce from Novi Engineering about condo parking garage maintenance, deterioration, repairs, and restoration. They discuss how condo garages are built, the difference between suspended slabs and slab-on-grade areas, why waterproofing membranes matter, how salt and water damage concrete, what causes leaks around drains and expansion joints, and why garage ramps can be especially difficult and expensive to repair. Tyson also explains how engineers assess garage conditions, what chain drag surveys reveal, when cracks should be taken seriously, and why proper specifications and contract administration are important when planning garage repair projects. A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, condominium owners, engineers, contractors, and anyone involved in maintaining Ontario condo buildings.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Antoni Casalinovo from Deo Condominium Law about contracts in condominium corporations. They discuss service agreements, construction contracts, CCDC contracts, one-off work orders, unionized security and cleaning contracts, auto-renewal clauses, termination rights, change orders, liens, bonding, payment schedules, and the role of lawyers, engineers, and consultants in protecting the condo corporation. Anthony also explains why condo boards should be careful with informal approvals, unclear scopes of work, purchase orders, long-term service agreements, and financing arrangements that may require a borrowing bylaw. A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, condominium owners, contractors, consultants, and anyone involved in Ontario condo operations.

#WeSpeakCondo is back after eight years. In this relaunch episode, Nicholas speaks with Sam Soltani, Founder and President of The Trace Group, about the Ontario Fire Code changes condo managers and boards need to understand going into 2026. They discuss carbon monoxide detection, fire alarm inspections, smoke control testing, fire safety plans, fire watch obligations, record keeping, fire panel repair versus replacement, and the growing responsibility condo corporations have when it comes to life safety compliance. Sam also shares practical advice on how condo boards can use engineers, audits, and proactive maintenance planning to avoid costly surprises and better protect their buildings. A must-listen for condo managers, board members, property managers, engineers, and anyone involved in Ontario condominium operations. In this episode, we cover: New Ontario Fire Code changes affecting condos Carbon monoxide detection requirements in hallways Fire alarm inspection and record-keeping standards CAN/ULC S536, S537, and S1001 requirements Smoke control testing and fire safety plan updates Fire watch responsibilities and risks Fire alarm panel repair vs. replacement Condo board and management liability Why engineering assessments matter before major projects How proactive HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire maintenance can save condo corporations money Guest: Sam Soltani Company: The Trace Group Websites: traceconsultinggroup.com Contact: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Subscribe to #WeSpeakCondo for practical conversations about condo management, governance, compliance, maintenance, and the issues that matter most to condominium communities.