Renovation Policy Update: Ensuring Health and Safety for All Residents at Glamis Terrace Condominiums

At Glamis Terrace Condominiums, the health and safety of our residents is our top priority. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment, we have updated our Renovation Policy, which includes guidelines for the use of high VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes, in accordance with our current Bylaws.

Renovations, particularly those that may impact air quality or structural integrity, require careful planning and adherence to the rules. This helps ensure the safety of all residents and protects the long-term integrity of our community. Below, you’ll find important details about the renovations that require pre-approval from the Board and how to proceed if you’re planning any updates to your unit.

Renovation Pre-Approval Requirements

Before starting any renovation work, please remember that certain updates to your unit must be pre-approved by the Board. This is necessary to prevent any disruption or potential hazards within the complex. The following renovations require pre-approval:

• Deck and landscaping modifications

• Installation of air conditioners and hot water tanks

• Flooring updates

• Plumbing and electrical work

• Structural changes

• Use of high VOC finishes

• Furnace installations (a copy of the permit and inspection is required post-installation)

You can find the Renovation Application Form on our website or the FirstService Portal. Here is the link to the form for your convenience:

==>Renovation Application Form

Consequences of Unapproved Work

If you begin renovation work without submitting an application for approval, you may be asked to halt all work immediately and submit a renovation request. Failure to follow the proper procedures could result in a fine, as outlined in the Glamis Terrace fine policy. Our goal is to ensure all work is done safely and responsibly to protect everyone in the community.

Understanding VOCs and High VOC Finishes

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many common renovation materials like paints, stains, sealants, and lacquers. These compounds are harmful to both the environment and human health, as they can contribute to indoor air pollution. It’s important to understand the difference between high, low, and no VOC products when planning your renovations:

• High VOC: 50 g/l — 250 g/l

• Low VOC: Less than 50 g/l

• No VOC: Less than 5 g/l

For the health and safety of all residents, we kindly request that high VOC products (over 250 g/l) be applied offsite whenever possible. This ensures that strong chemical odors do not affect your neighbors. If applying the finish offsite is not feasible, you must submit a Renovation Application that includes details about the product, how it will be applied (whether painted or sprayed), and the scheduled date of the work. The Board will then provide specific ventilation instructions to ensure the safe use of these products within a residential setting.

If you proceed with a high VOC finish without following the correct procedures, you will be responsible for the costs of properly ventilating any affected units.

How to Determine VOC Levels in Your Products

Before selecting your materials, you can find the VOC levels on the manufacturer’s specification sheet for each product. This information must be disclosed to consumers, and it is crucial to check the VOC content before beginning your renovations.

Contact Us with Any Questions

We’re here to help guide you through the renovation process and ensure everything is done correctly. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to FirstService via the following link: FirstService Contact.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Glamis Terrace Condominiums a safe and welcoming place for all residents.