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Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Whether it’s a clubhouse, a private laneway, a park, or a pool, shared facilities are becoming more common in Ontario’s condominium world—especially in townhouse communities and mixed-use developments. And while these shared spaces are fantastic for boosting curb appeal and convenience, they also come with their fair share of questions:

• Who pays for what?

• What happens when something needs to be replaced?

• What happens when each side can't come to an agreement?

• Who manages these?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Shared Facilities, Anyway?

Shared facilities refer to the spaces, services, and infrastructure used by two or more condo corporations. Think: a clubhouse, a pool, a shared laneway, a garbage enclosure, or even an elevator lobby in a stacked townhouse setup.

They’re typically governed by a Shared Facilities Agreement (SFA), which outlines how costs are shared, how decisions are made, and who’s responsible for what.

It sounds simple on paper, but just like any roommate situation—things can get complicated quickly without clear rules and good communication.

Common Challenges (and a Few Headaches)

Some of the most common friction points I’ve seen as a Condominium Manager include:

• Budget Disagreements: One corporation thinks the landscaping is too expensive. The other says it’s too basic.

• Maintenance Gaps: One party wants power washing every month. The other’s okay with “whenever it looks dirty.”

• Access & Use: Shared gyms, visitor parking, or party rooms can spark debates over fairness and access.

• Governance Confusion: If your SFA doesn’t outline a joint committee or decision-making process, good luck navigating a sudden plumbing bill.

Pro Tips for Managing Shared Facilities Like a Pro

Here’s how to keep those shared spaces—and relationships—running smoothly:

✅ Start With a Solid Agreement

A well-drafted SFA is worth its weight in gold. It should cover:

• Shared operating budgets and cost-sharing formulas

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Rules for dispute resolution

• Decision-making structures (like a Joint Operations Committee)

✅ Communicate Early, Often, and Professionally

Regular joint meetings, shared budgets with full transparency, and open lines of communication between Boards can prevent most issues before they grow.

✅ Create a Shared Facilities Committee

If it’s not in your SFA already, establish a group with reps from each corporation to make shared decisions and review costs together.

✅ Document Everything

Meeting notes, approvals, vendor quotes—it all matters. Shared facilities are not the place for handshake agreements.

A Real-World Snapshot

At Read Property Management, I’ve worked with a handful of shared facilities across Niagara—from side-by-side townhouse phases with different boards, to mid-rise combos. The trick? Set expectations up front, put everything in writing, and make sure both sides feel heard.

One recent example of an issue: Both buildings shared a superintendent and assistant superintendent, but each board gave the superintendent conflicting instructions. One director asked the super to mop the lobby twice daily, pull weeds, and complete a lot og the work themselves. The other said it was a waste of their time, and their job was to delegate work to contractors and remain available in the office at all times for residents. The super was stuck in the middle—overworked and under-supported.

Solution: We created a unified task schedule and job description approved by both boards, with clearly delegated authority to the property manager as the super’s direct supervisor. A simple monthly log was implemented to keep their tasks crystal clear.

Result: Clear direction, happier super, and no more contradictory orders from well-meaning directors.

Bottom Line

A shared gym or driveway shouldn’t feel like a tug-of-war. When managed properly, shared facilities can elevate the whole community. But they require cooperation, clarity, and a little finesse.

At Read Property Management, we help Boards take the guesswork out of shared spaces. From managing Joint Operations Committees to reviewing SFAs, we make sure every party knows what they’re responsible for—and how to work together like a team.

Have questions about your condo’s shared facilities?

Reach out anytime. And if you’re reading this as an owner or director—remember, good governance is the best kind of neighbour.

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