Should You Put Your Name Forward for the Board?
At some point, most condo owners consider it — usually around AGM time, when the call goes out for volunteers. Maybe you have concerns about how the building is run, ideas for improvement, or simply a sense that you should contribute. But serving on the board is a real commitment, and it’s worth going in with clear eyes.
So should you put your name forward? Here’s an honest look at what the role involves, what it asks of you, and how to decide whether it’s the right move.
What the board actually does
The board of directors runs the condominium corporation on behalf of all owners. Directors set the budget, oversee the reserve fund, arrange maintenance and insurance, enforce the bylaws, hire and oversee professionals like the management company, and plan for the building’s future. In short, the board makes the decisions that shape every owner’s fees, property value, and quality of life. It’s meaningful work — which is exactly why it matters who does it.
Why owners choose to serve
People join boards for good reasons. Serving gives you a real say in how your building — and your investment — is run, rather than leaving those decisions entirely to others. It’s a chance to protect and improve your own property value, to contribute to a community you’re part of, and to bring skills you may already have to a place they’re genuinely needed. Many directors also find it rewarding to see the tangible results of good governance in the place they call home.
What’s expected of you
Serving is a volunteer role, but it isn’t a passive one. Directors are expected to attend board meetings, stay informed about the corporation’s finances and issues, and take part in decisions — sometimes on matters that are complex or contentious. Just as importantly, directors take on genuine legal duties: generally, to act honestly and in good faith, in the best interests of the corporation as a whole, and to exercise reasonable care. It’s a responsibility to take seriously, because owners are trusting the board with a shared asset of real value.
The time commitment
One of the most common questions is simply, "how much time will this take?" The honest answer is that it varies with the size and complexity of the building and how active the board is — but it’s a recurring commitment, not a one-time favour. Expect regular meetings, some reading and preparation between them, and the occasional stretch that’s busier than usual, such as budget season or a major project. The load is also lighter on a board that works well together and has strong management support, and heavier on one that doesn’t. For most people it’s very manageable, especially with good support, but it’s worth being realistic before you commit.
Is it right for you?
A few honest questions can help you decide. Do you have the time to attend meetings and stay engaged? Are you willing to make decisions in the interest of the whole community, even when they’re not universally popular? Can you work constructively with other directors, including people you may not always agree with? Do you have patience for process and paperwork? If you can answer yes, you’ll likely make a valuable director. If your motivation is a single grievance you want resolved, it’s worth reflecting on whether the broader, ongoing role is really for you.
What makes a good board member
The best directors aren’t necessarily experts in law or finance — they’re owners who are reliable, level-headed, and willing to act fairly. Good listeners who can weigh different views, respect confidentiality, and keep the community’s interests ahead of their own tend to serve well. Any relevant experience — financial, legal, trades, administrative — is a bonus, but character and commitment matter more than any single skill.
You won’t be doing it alone
A common worry is that joining the board means taking on an overwhelming workload or being expected to know everything. In practice, that’s what a professional management company is for. A good manager handles the day-to-day administration, financial record-keeping, vendor coordination, and compliance, and guides the board through its decisions — so directors can focus on governing rather than getting buried in operational detail. With the right support, serving is far more doable than many owners expect.
How to put your name forward
If you decide to go for it, the process is usually straightforward. Board elections typically happen at the Annual General Meeting, following the process set out in your corporation’s bylaws. Watch for the notice of the AGM, find out how nominations work in your building — some allow you to stand for election from the floor, others ask for advance notice — and be ready to briefly let owners know why you’d like to serve and what you’d bring. If you’re unsure about any of it, your current board or management company can walk you through the specifics.
Communities are built by owners who step up
Well-run condos exist because owners are willing to serve — and to serve well. Citysearch Rental Network Inc. has spent more than 20 years supporting Calgary condo boards, giving directors the systems, expertise, and backup they need to govern with confidence. If your board wants a management partner that makes serving easier and governing better, we’d be glad to help.
Contact Citysearch Rental Network today to learn how we support boards and the owners who serve on them.
Citysearch Rental Network Inc. — trusted Calgary property and condominium management for over 20 years.
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. For the specific eligibility and election rules that apply, refer to your corporation’s bylaws and the Condominium Property Act.
