The holiday season brings joy, community spirit, and festive decorations, but it can also present unique challenges for condo managers and board members. Understanding how to handle holiday decorations effectively is crucial to maintaining harmony in the community and respecting diverse cultural traditions.
Review Your Corporation’s Governing Documents
Most condominium corporations have provisions in their declarations or rules that restrict the placement of items on the common elements, this includes decorations. Board members should review these documents to ensure that there is clarity around holiday decorations.
- Tip: If your condo’s rules don’t currently address holiday decorations, consider amending them with input from owners in your community to reflect collective values and expectations.
Establish Clear Guidelines for Common Areas
Decorations in common areas, such as lobbies, entrances, and hallways, can create a festive atmosphere, but they can also be contentious. Set clear guidelines on what’s allowed in these spaces.
Considerations for common-area decorations:
- Safety: Avoid obstructing walkways, exits, or fire safety equipment.
- Accessibility: Ensure decorations don’t create barriers for residents with mobility challenges.
- Inclusivity: Respect Ontario’s Human Rights Code by avoiding decorations that promote a specific religion unless all residents agree. Encourage multi-cultural representation to make everyone feel included.
Outline Rules for Private Balconies and Doors
Balconies and doorways can be an extension of a resident’s personal style, but holiday decorations can also impact the building’s appearance and create potential hazards. To balance personal expression and community aesthetics, establish guidelines on what’s allowed, considering:
- Size and Placement: Set reasonable limits on the size and type of decorations to avoid clutter and safety issues.
- Noise and Lighting: Restrict loud decorations or excessive lighting that might disturb neighbours.
- Structural Safety: Encourage decorations that don’t damage walls or railings, and avoid fixtures that require drilling or other structural alterations.
Consider a Community Approach to Decorations
Organizing a community-driven decorating initiative can foster inclusivity and cooperation. For example, host a meeting to gather ideas or allow residents to volunteer for decorating certain areas, ensuring everyone’s input is respected.
- Example: A “Winter Wonderland” theme can be a neutral, seasonal approach, avoiding religious elements while still bringing the holiday spirit into shared spaces.
Highlight Safety Precautions
During the holiday season, there are additional safety concerns related to decorations, including fire hazards and the risk of injuries. Condo managers should consider reminding residents about the following:
- Fire Safety: Avoid flammable decorations, ensure holiday lights are certified by Canadian safety standards.
- Electrical Limits: Ensure residents don’t overload circuits with holiday lighting.
- Removal Timeline: Establish a reasonable deadline for removing holiday decorations, typically within the first two weeks of January, to prevent prolonged visual clutter.
Respect Diversity and Inclusivity
Promote an atmosphere where diverse holidays are acknowledged and represented. In doing so, board members should help create a welcoming environment that respects the diversity of their community.
