From the Property Manager

The Property Manager should be your first contact every time you have a problem or require clarification or services. However, please do not forget to leave enough information so the Property Manager can get back to you. To that end, when you contact BONITA Management Limited. Please leave:

• your full name;

• your correct address;

• your telephone number(s);

• your E-mail; and

• a brief and precise explanation of the problem.

BONITA Management Limited

505 Hood Road, Suite 3

Markham, ON L3R 5V6

905-946-0007 (phone)          905-946-0022 (fax)          E-mail

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You may also use the

 This form is also available from any member of the Board of Directors and/or  the Property Manager.

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To serve your needs better, it is extremely important to keep contact information up-to-date. Please download the

   ,

 complete it, and return it immediately.

WELCOME TO YORK 83 (Booklet)  

To make your arrival to the community  more smooth and effective, the Board o f Directors has prepared a booklet entitled WELCOME TO YORK 83. You can request a copy from the Property Manager or you can read it on line (and print it) by clicking on the image below.

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CHANGES TO COMMON ELEMENTS 

It is only natural that, with the coming of the good weather, that most of us begin planning changes to our homes. But, please remember that a written approval must be obtained from the Board of Directors before any changes are made to the Common Elements. 

For your guidance, changes to the following must have written approval from the Board of Directors before taking place: fences, windows, doors, air conditioners, light fixtures attached to unit, removal and/or planting of trees and shrubs, patio stones, antennas, plumbing or electrical services inside units, front and/or garage doors, etc.

Please contact the Property Manager well in advance to clarify any request(s) and avoid complications and frustrations (legal or otherwise) later. Please use the Request for Service form and fax it to 905-946-0022. You can also scan it as a .pdf file and Email it, as an attachment, to information@bonitamanagement.com.

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CONDO INSURANCE

Denise Lash*

What are your obligations as a condo owner when it comes to insurance?

Condominium corporations are required to insure both the units and the common elements but owners should be obtaining their own insurance coverage for risks and certain property not covered under the condominium corporation's policy.

Here are some helpful tips for condo owners:

• First tip: Get a copy of the condominium corporation's insurance policy. Condominium policies vary from one condominium to the next. You may want to use the same insurer who is aware of what coverage the condominium corporation has and what insurance you are lacking. 

Although the condominium corporation will cover the common elements and the units, there is other coverage that condo owners can obtain in cases where accidents or damage occurs for which the owner is responsible. 

Whether you choose the condominium corporation's insurer or not, it is important to find a reputable and knowledgeable insurance agent/broker who can best craft a condominium policy that addresses your potential exposure.

• Second tip: Once your insurance company is determined, provide your agent/broker with a list of all improvements to the unit. If you have purchased another owner and the condominium unit is not brand new, find out that improvements the previous owners made to the unit. Also, find out if your condominium corporation has passed a Standard Unit by-law, which will define what part of your unit is not an improvement, so it will be easier to determine what extra coverage you will need.

• Third tip: Read your condominium documentation to determine what your obligation is with respect to the condominium corporation's insurance deductible. Find out what the amount of the deductible is.

Without this coverage, you may be held responsible for the deductible amount if damage occurs either to your unit or the common areas. In many instances deductible can be $5000 or $10 000 per occurrence. There even some condominium corporations that have a history of many insurance claims resulting in deductibles of $100 000 per incident. You may be stuck paying that cost unless you get the appropriate coverage.

• Fourth tip: Advise you agent/broker if you have a parking space and storage space. Keep in mind that if damage occurs to your vehicle, it is your obligation to put those types of claims through your auto insurance and not through the condominium corporation's insurance.

• Fifth tip: have a yearly review of your policy with your agent to record any changes to your belongings, upgrades to the condominium corporation's changes to its by-laws.

• Sixth tip: if you are renting out your unit, tell your agent. Different coverage applies.

Here is a summary of the type of coverage condo owners should have:

• Personal Liability Insurance -Damages or injuries to property or persons caused by a negligent act

• Contents - Damage to personal belongings

• Upgrades- Damage to their improvements

• Additional expenses, where temporary accommodation is needed because of claim

• Payment of the condominium corporation's deductible in the event of the owner causes a claim under the corporation's policy.

• Sewer back-up

• Flood

Start the review process now to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage when an unexpected accident occurs.

RECYCLING 

Q: What do I do with shredded paper?

A: Please put your shredded paper in a clear plastic bag, and put it inside your recycling bin. Less mess for you and helps the city too!

Q: How can I get rid of large items?

A: Consider donating them instead of throwing them out. You can visit the City of Toronto web site at  http://www.toronto.ca/reuseit. 

Here's what to do with remaining items: 

Furniture: Put it out with your regular garbage. The City will collect up to six items in total of garbage and/or big and bulky furniture items. Count a mattress and box spring as two pieces. A couch with several cushions counts as one item.

Appliances (e.g. refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, freezers): call 416-338-2010 to arrange for collection.

Metals (swing sets, barbecues, bicycles, sport equipment): Same as Appliances above.

Q: How do I throw out rancid oil?

A: For amounts greater than a half cup and less than 10 L:

- Combine it with an absorbent material (kitty litter, sorbal) and place it in the garbage; small amounts at a time.

- Ask a local diner to add the oil to their grease bin for collection and proper disposal.

- Label it "rancid oil,” and take it, along with paints, solvents, and other Household Hazards to the nearest depot that accepts HHW on regular operating days. Call 416-338-2010 for more information. A full-size drop off chart is available at http://www.toronto.ca/garbage.

Q: Can I recycle furniture?

A: Instead of throwing away your used furniture, please consider the ultimate in recycling - REUSE.

The West Hill Furniture Bank (a City-supported, non-profit agency) collects and distributes good quality used furniture to needy families in the Scarborough area. Most of their clients are people moving out of shelters into apartments - as you can imagine, these people don't have very much. You can contact the Furniture Bank at 416-286-2441. 

* MORE RECYCLING INFORMATION

PROPER DISPOSAL OF METAL ITEMS

Please recycle metal items such as appliances, barbecues (no propane tanks), bed frames, furnaces, hot water heaters, metal bath tubs, storage sheds and bicycles by calling 311 to arrange for a special curbside collection (maximum 3 items). For safety, remove doors from fridges, freezers, ovens and other appliances.  (If a special collection is not pre-scheduled, metal items will not be collected.)

For an alternate method, please consult The Great Refrigerator Roundup below.

THE GREAT REFRIGERATOR ROUND UP!

That old, inefficient second (or first) refrigerator of your is wasting up to $120-$150 per year in electricity. Book an appointment with the Ontario Power Association and they will come pick it up for FREE - they will even haul it out of your basement (or your garage!) for you. Then they will take care of it in an environmentally responsible manner. When they are finished recycling and reclaiming material, all that's left for the landfill will just about fill a hat!

To participate, click below

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SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS MANDATORY 

Every year in Ontario alone, close to 8000 fire incidents in homes claim 140 lives and injure 650 people (2000-2001 statistics). Lives can be saved, and injuries reduced or prevented by providing detection and early warning in the event of fire. The smoke alarm has become the single most significant fire safety device ever invented.

In 1999, the City of Toronto Council passed a By-law requiring the installation and maintenance of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms in all residences in the City's jurisdiction, whether old or new. The By-law was "re-enforced" in October 2005.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms properly installed and checked regularly (once a month!) are essential. These alarms should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications.

Under this by-law, smoke alarms must be located between bedrooms and living areas of your home, normally in a hallway. These must be loud enough to be heard by people sleeping and one must be located on each floor level of your home. 

Alarms properly installed and checked regularly (once a month!) are essential. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be maintained in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.

In addition, it is important to vacuum dust from your alarm(s) at least twice a year; check to see that the battery is in place, connected and not corroded and test each smoke alarm regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.

Does your smoke alarm go off when you cook, toast, or take a shower? Try: 

- Moving the smoke alarm farther from the kitchen or bathroom. 

- Replacing the smoke alarm with one that it equipped with a "Hush Button", or 

- Replacing the smoke alarm with a PHOTOELECTRIC type of smoke alarm.

For more information on Smoke Alarms, contact the Toronto Fire Services.

When you change your clock, change your alarm's battery.

Only remove batteries when replacing them.

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SIMPLE ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS FOR YOUR HOME 

Save Energy - Save Money - Save the Environment    

• Turn off everything you're not using. This includes all equipment and appliances such as lights, televisions sets, VCRs, computers, and computer monitors.

• Use cold water. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.

• Wait for a full load. Wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher

• Fix leaky hot water taps. Leaking taps cause the hot water tank to continuously head cold water entering the tank.

• Test your home for tightness. On a windy day, carry a lit incense stick or a single dusting feather through the house, in particular, next to the windows, doors, baseboards, electrical boxes and basement beams. If there's any sort of motion in the smoke stream or dusting feather, you've located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing, or weather stripping.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• In the winter months, set it to reduce the temperature two to three degrees during the night and when you're away. In the summer time, if you have central air conditioning, increase the temperature two to three degrees.

• Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Compared to incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer.

• Clean and/or replace filters. Once a month, or as needed, clean or replace furnace filters to ensure maximum The dirtier the filters are, the harder the furnace has to work. 

These are just some of the things you can do. For more tips, visit the Toronto Hydro web site at  http://www.torontohydro.com/savingenergy 

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HOW TO TAME THE BEAST!

Three Steps to Managing Household Hazard Waste

Many of us use product everyday that, if not handled properly, could hurt people, animals, and our planet. While we may not be personally responsible for the existence of household hazardous waste, we are responsible for what happens once we own it.

You can make a difference by taking three steps to responsible ownership of hazardous waste:

• Do not toss it in the garbage, bury it in its container, pour it down a drain or storm sewer, or pour it onto the ground (among other things, it will contaminate ground water).

• Do dispose of hazardous materials at a City-approved household hazardous waste drop-off depot.

• Buy only what you need, or where possible, choose alternative products that are less dangerous.

See http://www.toronto.ca/hhw for more information or call Household Hazardous Waste at 416-392-4330.

See also Orange Drop website for more  information.

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ITCHING TO PICK UP YOUR PRUNING SHEARS?

Spring is in the air. We know it because we see green thumbs everywhere is our development - twitching and itching to prune trees and shrubs, pull weeds, and trim plants. City collectors are gearing up to handle all the yard waster you can give them.

Just don't let your materials compost at the curb! Avoid missed collection by observing six simple yard rules:

- Know what's not acceptable (see table below)

- Use approved containers: a Kraft paper bag ONLY. 

- Yard waste in plastic bags or cardboard boxes will NOT be collected.

- Measure your stuff: branches and twigs should be less than 7.5 cm (3") in diameter, and tied in bundles less than 60 cm (2') in diameter and 1.2 m (4') in length.

- Get your backyard waste to the curb by 7:00 a.m. from mid-March into December (Consult the Collection Calendar)

- Know your collection day (check www.toronto.ca/recycling and click on "garbage collection calendar.")

ITEMS NOT COLLECTED AS YARD WASTE

- Grass clippings or sod -

- Fruit, vegetables, kitchen waste -

- Rocks, dirt, stumps -

- Painted or treated wood -

- Flower pots -

- Animal faeces -

- Non-organic materials (e.g. metals, Styrofoam, plastics) -

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COULD YOU PUT OUT A FIRE?

Eric Lai - Toronto Star, June 26, 2004

 Half of all Canadian households don't have a fire extinguisher. Is your home protected?

If you're shopping for an extinguisher, here's what you need to know:

Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B is for flammable liquids, such as gasoline or solvents.

Class C is for electrical fires, such as fire in motors, wiring or appliances.

For kitchens, select a B-C unit (for easier cleanup). For general household use, select an A-B-C unit. 

- Check pressure monthly. On economy models, depress the "pin-indicator"; it is rises the unit is operable. For other models, replace if gauge shows empty.

- Familiarize yourself with all operating instructions before you need it.

- In case of fire, first evacuate the home and call the fire department. An extinguisher should only be used to fight a small, contained fire in its initial phase.

- Always keep your back to an exit, so you won't become trapped if the fire spreads. Remember, if in doubt, get out. 

- For cooking fires, slide on a tight-fitting lid or direct pressurized spray above - not directly - a pot of flaming oil.

- For homes, a 90 grams (2 lb.) kitchen extinguisher along with a 1.13 kg (2.5 lb.) multipurpose unit makes an ideal combination. 

For more information, visit Safe At Home Tips or call 1-800-880-6788.  

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GARBAGE OUT NOT ON SCHEDULED COLLECTION DAY

Please consider the following facts next time you take out the garbage not on the scheduled pick-up day:

- The city of Toronto collects our garbage and/or recyclables on Wednesdays.

- If we do not abide by the by-laws, the city has the power to refuse collection of garbage altogether and/or to enforce special steps. 

- Every homeowner is asked to please refrain from placing any refuse items at the entrances.

- People leaving garbage and junk at the entrances to the complex  will be charged the cost of a special pickup for removal.

Everyone's co-operation is expected and appreciated.

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NO PRO NEEDED TO FIX YOUR SCREENS

If you have holes in the screens at your unit and would like to do the work yourself, it is very practical to replace damaged window mesh.

The insect mesh you have now is held within the aluminium frame by a flexible strip of vinyl or foam called a "spline." The spline fits tightly within a grove around the frame's perimeter to secure the mesh. To remove the spline, lift one of the ends with the tip of a small screwdriver, and then pull it all out of the frame. Take out the old screen.

Next, lay down a new piece of oversized screen on the frame with several centimetres of excess on all sides. Inserting a new screen is fairly easy when you use a spline roller. This inexpensive speciality tool can be found in hardware stores. All models have a wheel on each end. 

Use the plain wheel to push the screen down into the frame slot, followed by the grooved wheel to push the spline in afterwards. With practice, you'll learn ho w to steer the screen one way or the other to maintain tension as you push the spline into position. Use a sharp utility knife to trim away excess mesh and you're done

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PROPER DISPOSAL OF CFLs 

It's recommended that compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) not be thrown away with normal trash because they contain trace amounts of mercury. Rather, store burnt-out bulbs in a secure area and dispose of them using community hazardous waste collection programs such as the City of Toronto Environment Days. CFL bulbs can also be brought to one of six solid-waste drop-off depots in Toronto. Call 416-338-2010 for more information.  

Beginning in August 2008 you can also bring your CFLs to a participating RONA store near you. Most of their components are then recycled, such as the fluorescent powder, mercury, aluminium base and glass. To learn more about the advantage of compact fluorescent bulbs or RONA's Recuperation and Recycling Program, visit:  http://www.rona.ca. 

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WHEN DO I NEED A 'CONSTRUCTION PERMIT'?

Remembering that a written approval must be obtained from the Board of Directors before any changes are made

to the Common Elements. 

Please use the Request for Service form. 

If you plan to:

- Construct a new building; 

• Renovate, repair or add to a building;

• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building;

• Change a building's use;

• Install, change, or remove partitions and load-bearing walls;

• Make new openings for/or change the size of doors and windows;

• Build a garage, balcony or deck;

• Excavate a basement or construct a foundation;

• Install or modify heating, plumbing or air conditioning systems;

• Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces.

Where do I apply for a building permit?

At any City of Toronto, Buildings Division

Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 to 16:30

Scarborough Civic Centre

150 Borough Drive

Scarborough, ON, M1P 4N7

416.396.7303

Source: Mike Del Grande Newsletter (September 2007)

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WHEN AND HOW TO USE YOUR GARBAGE TAGS

• Garbage Tags are to be used when the volume of garbage being set out on the garbage collection day (Wednesday) is greater than the volume of the City-issued Garbage bin.

• Garbage Tags are to be used only on regulation sized bags. Garbage bags must not exceed 66 cm x 90 cm (2' x 3') and must not exceed 20 kg (44 lbs).

• Affix only one (1) Garbage Tag on the top area of each garbage bag. Tags must be easily visible to the Solid Waste Management collection crew.

• Additional Garbage Tags are available in packages of five (5) yellow tags for $15.50 at Canadian Tire stores.

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UPDATED: November 28, 2010