MERCI, CALGARY
(Calgary Herald - Homes Section - Nov. 23, 2000)

Our 1989 handbook, Condominium: An Owner’s Manual for Canada, began: “Condominium, strata titles, and divided co-ownership (copropriété divise) are terms used in Canada to identify parallel legislative regimes….”

Ever since, promoting precision in terminology, assailing its continuing misuse (accidental and intentional) and debunking prevalent mythology has been a consistent theme (some might say pedantic obsession) in my condominium commentary.

So it’s not surprising that, following publication of the Alberta-specific Wise-Buyer Condominium Guide in 1993, when approached to provide an informational column for a new Calgary Herald condominium section, the title CONDO LINGO was chosen.

Today, seven and one-half years after its debut, the column will cease to occupy this space.

CONDO LINGO will not disappear, however.

Those who’ve visited www.condoserve.com over the past two years will note a significant content change at the beginning of the real new millennium (more pedantry).

January 1, 2001, the website will expand from primarily Alberta content to a national focus, complete with Condo Lingo sections for every province (Condo Langage à Québec) and territory.

The site will offer a cross-jurisdictional digest of information, links to condominium statutes, comparisons of key components, and issue-oriented commentary. Its purpose will be to promote awareness and informed discussion of local and other regulatory environments, and to examine differences in political philosophy.

Since CONDO LINGO first appeared as an unpaid public service, I’ve had the privilege and good fortune to meet and work with so many talented people at the Herald and within Calgary’s professional, development, and brokerage sectors.

Very special thanks go my colleagues at the South Alberta chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute for the years of support and friendship, and for the immense honour they gave me last month.

Appreciation is also extended to the many exhibitors and attendees at CONDO EXPO over its six year run. It’s hoped the event will continue, and to that end we’re in discussion with possible partners.

As mentioned last week, I’ll be pursuing these activities from our new location just over an hour south of the nation’s capital, near the confluence of the Ottawa and the St. Lawrence.

Obviously, such a move demands refresher exercise in the other official language. So appropriately, in fond farewell, merci Calgary et au revoir.