South Keys Landing Homeowners Association Newsletter, Fall 2012
Reserve Fund
This summer, the Committee commissioned an update to SKL’s Reserve Fund Study. The Reserve Fund
Study is necessary in order for the community to know if the amount of money currently in our reserve
fund (approximately $174,000) and the amount collected for the reserve fund through fees are adequate to
provide for the expected costs of major repair and replacement of the Common Property elements.
Currently, the annual contribution is $14,800; the recommendation adopted by the Committee is to
increase the annual contribution by 12% in each of the next five years; for 2013, the reserve fund
contribution will be approximately $16,580. This increase works out to about $1 per month per unit.
A summary of the Reserve Fund Study will be provided to each homeowner in December and a copy of
the full Study will be made available for viewing by request.
Budget and Fees 2013
The Committee is currently planning the budget for the coming year. It is anticipated that a small increase
in monthly fees will be necessary to fulfill the Association’s budgetary obligations pursuant to the Joint
Use Agreement and the abovementioned increase in contributions to the Reserve Fund. A notice will be
sent to all homeowners in December confirming the monthly common expenses fee for 2013.
Garbage Collection
As of Monday, October 29th, 2012, garbage collection day for our neighbourhood changes from
Thursday to MONDAY. Residents can download a calendar or sign up to receive e-mail, phone or
Twitter personal reminders by visiting the City of Ottawa’s website, www.ottawa.ca.
Owners and residents are reminded that garbage, green and recycling bins should not be left in view of
the street; please place them in your garage or inside when not on the curb for pick up. Bins should not be
placed on the curb before 7pm the day before pick up.
If you have concerns regarding a neighbour’s property or an adjoining non-SKL property, please contact
the property manager. You can also call City By-Law enforcement at 311 to report a problem.
Private Property Signs
The Common Property is for the enjoyment of owners, residents and their guests. In an effort to
discourage chronic problems such as graffiti, vandalism, loitering, unauthorized use of the park and use of
Glenhaven as a thoroughfare by non-residents, the Committee has installed “Private Property – No
Trespassing” signs by the entrances and park. If you suspect or are aware of persons trespassing or
engaging in illegal activities on the common property, please do not hesitate to call the Ottawa Police.
R.I.P. Park Shed
Following incidents of vandalism and trespassing, the park shed was removed at the request of the
Committee earlier this month. At the time of its dismantling, the shed was mostly in a state of disrepair
and was attracting individuals engaged in illegal activity. Rest in pieces, park shed.
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Winter Reminders and Snow Removal
As colder weather approaches, just a friendly reminder that owners should turn off outside water taps and
disconnect hoses to prevent freezing and damage.
Also, to help facilitate snow removal and safe roads, do not put snow from your driveway onto the street
(if it falls on your property, keep it on your property!). When removal operations are being done, please
have visitors move their vehicles out of visitor parking to enable the contractor to clear the parking areas.
Parking Violations
Any vehicle parked on a neighbourhood road (which are deemed to be fire lanes pursuant to City by-law),
can be reported by anyone to City of Ottawa by-law enforcement (311). Owners and residents parked in
visitor parking in violation of the Joint Use Agreement should be reported to the management company
with sufficient particulars for the property manager to follow up with the owner or resident.
The Committee would prefer not to hire parking enforcement or install speed bumps or take other action
that would result in a significant increase to fees for common expenses in response to continued chronic
parking and traffic violations.
Non-Resident Owners
Non-resident owners who rent their units are advised to provide their contact information to the property
manager. This will help to resolve issues regarding unpaid monthly fees, tenant parking problems and
other unintended breaches of the Joint Use Agreement without resorting to legal action.
Sales and Estoppel Certificates
On a related note, all homeowners are advised that if they are selling their house, they should remind their
real estate agent that the purchaser should obtain an Estoppel Certificate by contacting our property
manager. The Estoppel Certificate provides critical information to new homeowners regarding the
Association, monthly fees and other obligations. A copy of the Reserve Fund Study summary will now
also be included.
Contact and Comments
Feel free to contact our Property Manager Norean Harris at (613) 742-5778 x 234, send an email to the
volunteer-monitored email address at southkeyslanding@gmail.com or check out the SKL website at
www.southkeyslanding.com for Committee contact information.
The SKL website is also a source for previous notices and newsletters and other useful information!
Thank you!
The South Keys Landing Owners’ Committee
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