There recently was an incident, whereby a Lighthouse Landing Estates (LLE) owner encountered a stranger, who was in the process of lighting a cigarette while sitting in a chair on the deck at the upper pond. When the owner asked the stranger if they were a resident or visiting a resident, the person, who turned out to be neither an owner, resident or guest, got belligerent and threatening with the owner.
It may have been that, in the past, a resident had implied it was ok for this non-resident of LLE, who lives outside of LLE but is a broader community resident, to use our facilities as part of their recreational walk through the community.
Section 3 (1) of our by-laws prohibit the use of common property in a way that is contrary to the purpose for which the common property is intended, as shown expressly or by necessary implication on, or by, the strata plan. Our green space is our private property and is not intended to be used for recreational purposes by the community at large. Our owners and residents should not be subjected to challenges from people external to LLE, about who may or may not use our facilities, nor should the strata be put at a higher risk of liability claims or greater risk of wildfire.
If, in the past, you have given anyone from outside of LLE the impression or explicit permission that they may have the ongoing use of our common property for recreational purposes, please clarify with them that the permission was not yours to give and they no longer should be on the grounds unless they are visiting a resident.
In the future, if you encounter anyone on the property you don’t recognize, and if you feel comfortable, there is no harm in taking the neighbourhood watch approach and extend a friendly greeting, such as, “Hi. I’m [your name]. I haven’t met you yet. Have you just moved into a unit here or are you visiting someone?” Without confronting them, this should convey the fact that, if they are not a resident, owner or guest, they are not expected to be on the property. Otherwise, if you have a concern, please consult with a member of your Strata Council.
Suzanne LaRoy
Vice Chair/By-Laws LLE