Strata corporations across BC might be feeling like they just got a gift under their holiday tree.
As of December 20 2021, a new regulation (BC Reg 337/2021) permits all stratas in British Columbia to continue to conduct electronic meetings, including annual and special general meetings, until December 31, 2022 (at the latest*) even without a strata bylaw authorizing this.
The ability to hold meetings or hearings using telephone conference calls or an online application, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, helps strata corporations comply with the orders and recommendations of B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer.
*As the Province could end this extension before December 31, 2022 strata corporations are encouraged to have a bylaw authorizing electronic meetings, as allowed under section 49 of the Strata Property Act.
49 (1) A strata corporation may, by bylaw, provide for attendance at an annual or special general meeting by telephone or any other method, if the method permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other during the meeting.
(2) A person who attends a meeting as provided under subsection (1) is present in person at the meeting.
See the Changes to strata legislation on the BC Strata Housing website.