The Browns were determined to buy into a condominium with pet restrictions, despite the fact that they owned a cat. Somehow, Casey would have to be allowed. First they asked the strata council for an exemption from the pet bylaw but were refused.  Then they consulted a lawyer who formally threatened the council with litigation and made vague references to precedents, discrimination, claims for damages and the human rights code.

Council members paled when they read the lawyer’s special delivery letter at a hastily called meeting and promptly changed their minds.

The Browns, along with Casey, bought and moved in.

Many owners were outraged that their pet bylaw had been circumvented and those with severe allergies were particularly upset.  Some thought that retaining a lawyer would have been too expensive but wished the council had talked to somebody who would have known what to do.  Resentment began to simmer.

It was not long before another prospective owner wanted to bring a pet into the building.  This time the council was smarter and immediately contacted a condo consultant for information and advice.  Thus empowered, they firmly disallowed  another exception to the pet bylaw and took the steps suggested by  the consultant to ensure that ownership of pets in their building would be nonnegotiable.

P.S.  Casey was grandfathered.

Lynne Taylor
Strata Council Power
www.stratacouncilpower.info
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