BC Strata Councils Get Lifeline Amid Growing Management Complexity

VANCOUVER, BC – January 07, 2026 – As volunteer strata council members across British Columbia grapple with mounting responsibilities, FirstService Residential is set to host an event designed to provide essential tools and expertise. The property management leader has announced its fourth annual Preferred Vendor Trade Show, a free educational and networking event scheduled for January 15, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The event aims to directly address the complex challenges facing the estimated 1.5 million people living in strata-titled properties, from condos and townhouses to duplexes and single-family homes.

For the thousands of volunteer council members stewarding billions of dollars in real estate assets, the role has evolved far beyond simple administration. It now demands a sophisticated understanding of financial management, building science, and an ever-changing legal landscape. This trade show offers a platform for these community leaders to gain critical knowledge and connect with vetted professionals.

"The enthusiasm strata council members have for our Preferred Vendor Trade Show has driven us to continue elevating this event year after year," said Chris Churchill, President at FirstService Residential, in a statement. "We're delighted to continue to once again provide a platform that brings together industry experts and community leaders for meaningful collaboration."

Navigating a High-Stakes Environment

Life on a strata council has become increasingly demanding. These volunteer boards are tasked with enforcing bylaws, managing often contentious community disputes, and overseeing complex budgets. Recent years have introduced significant legislative pressures, including mandatory depreciation reports that forecast long-term repair and replacement costs, and new requirements for electrical planning reports to accommodate the rise of electric vehicles.

These responsibilities are set against a backdrop of a cooling but still high-value real estate market. While province-wide assessments saw a slight dip, the total value of real estate in BC remains over $2.75 trillion. Strata councils are on the front lines of protecting this value, making decisions that directly impact maintenance, property appeal, and the financial health of all owners. Common challenges include navigating rising insurance premiums, funding major capital projects through special levies, and resolving disputes over noise, pets, and unauthorized renovations—many of which end up before the province's Civil Resolution Tribunal.

This high-pressure environment underscores the need for accessible, high-quality education, a need that events like the upcoming trade show aim to fill by providing direct access to expert guidance.

Targeted Education for Pressing Issues

The agenda for the 2026 trade show is specifically tailored to address the primary pain points of strata governance. The event will feature three expert-led presentations designed to provide actionable insights. The session titled "Protect, Respond, Restore: Keeping Your Strata Property Safe and Sound" will focus on risk management and asset protection, a critical topic as buildings age and insurance liabilities grow.

Another key presentation, "Preventative Maintenance – is it worth it?", tackles a fundamental question for every strata corporation. With the Strata Property Act mandating long-term financial planning via depreciation reports, a proactive maintenance strategy is no longer a choice but a necessity. This session will explore how preventative measures can reduce costly emergency repairs, extend the lifespan of building components, and ultimately control operating costs for homeowners.

Perhaps the most anticipated feature is the ever-popular legal panel, "Your Legal Questions Answered!". Strata councils frequently operate in a legally complex field, facing potential liability for decisions made. This session offers a rare opportunity for council members to pose questions directly to legal experts on topics ranging from bylaw enforcement and contract negotiations to navigating the latest amendments to the Strata Property Act, providing clarity in an area fraught with potential pitfalls.

Connecting Councils with a Vetted Vendor Ecosystem

Beyond education, a primary function of the trade show is to bridge the gap between strata councils and qualified service providers. For volunteer council members, the task of finding, vetting, and managing contractors for everything from landscaping and plumbing to roofing and fire safety can be overwhelming. Ensuring a vendor has adequate liability insurance, proper business licenses, and a track record of quality work is a significant due diligence burden.

The event will provide direct access to more than 60 of FirstService Residential's 'approved vendors.' These are companies that have undergone a rigorous credentialing process to verify their insurance, licenses, and adherence to service standards. This curated ecosystem allows council members to efficiently connect with a wide range of trusted professionals, from legal and accounting firms to maintenance and janitorial services. This streamlined access can save councils invaluable time and reduce the risk associated with hiring unvetted contractors.

To add to the draw, the event also features a grand prize valued at $10,000, offered in partnership with Five Star Building Services, which can be used for services like parkade pressure washing or building-wide carpet cleaning, providing a tangible benefit to one lucky strata corporation.

While FirstService Residential is a major player, the demand for such resources is evident across the industry. Other organizations, such as the Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA) of BC, also provide robust educational programs, signaling a sector-wide recognition of the need to support and empower strata volunteers. By hosting this large-scale, free event, the company not only reinforces its position as a market leader but also contributes to raising the standard of governance and property management for communities throughout the province.