Are we there yet? On March 28, the city’s Standing Policy Committee voted in favor of a “new” curbside recycling program policy, which is to be voted on by city council on April 16, 2007. This new and improved version will see 300,000 homes (up to 4-plexes included) see weekly pick up of recyclables, including plastics, but excluding food and yard waste. The existing city run recycling depots, totaling nearly 50, located across the city will continue to be operated. This is a great step towards achieving the city’s goal of recycling 80% of the city’s waste material by 2020.

The 2006 city civic census reported a total number of 408,543 residential units. Yet only 300,000 residential units will be served by the new recycling policy, if adopted. More than 25% of the city’s residential units will not have curbside recycling offered to them. It is safe to assume that this number encompasses condominium buildings over 4 units and their residents. .

What recycling options are there for condominium dwellers? The city has said the existing recycling depots will remain in place. However, how practical is it for a person who may not have a vehicle to transport their recycling materials to one of these depots, either on foot or by bus? Other options must be analyzed. Condominium corporations need to look at implementing a recycling program of their own. .

As the city has found, there is a monetary cost that accompanies any recycling program. It must be taken .into account, however, that an expenditure outlay for a recycling program is accompanied by monetary savings in other areas (not needing to build and maintain another land fill for example). The same is true for condominium buildings. Keep in mind the City of Calgary does not pick up waste from condominiums. This expense is paid for by the owners through their condo fees and can range from a few thousand dollars a year to tens of thousands of dollars for large buildings. By decreasing the amount of “waste” picked up at a decreased cost and allocating those funds for “recyclables” to be picked up would most likely not be any more expensive for the average condo building. .

There are already numerous buildings doing exactly this. If yours isn’t, ask the question why. Then put a plan in place to begin. Recycling in condos: Because we can!

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Typical new home purchasers will spend a considerable amount of time researching the community profiles of the areas of interest as well as researching the benefits of new home purchases vs. re-sale homes. Few, however, take the time to research the details of the purchase or what is involved in a real estate purchase agreement. You should be aware that all purchases of real estate in Alberta are done in writing and contracts for the purchase of newly constructed homes contain significant terms and clauses that benefit the purchasers.

For instance, the deposit protection afforded under a new home warranty program in Alberta is the most comprehensive in Canada and ensures that your initial deposits are protected to limits defined in the agreement should the builder default. What is often overlooked is that deposits differ from down payments and they are not the same thing. Deposits are monies placed with the builder or lawyer as an indication of sincerity and good faith by a purchaser and all contracts must include deposits of some amount. Down payments are monies paid to bridge the difference in purchase price and total price. In the event of default by the purchaser the builder may be entitled to retain the deposits as damages towards costs. Down payments however are not retained by the builder.

To illustrate the point, suppose a purchase agreement of $400,000 contains an initial deposit of $5,000 and an additional deposit of $35,000 with further payments of $50,000 upon closing. In the event of a default, the deposits totaling $40,000 are defined as “initial” and “additional” meaning they are designated as deposits and treated as such. The down payment amount of $50,000 would not be in jeopardy as the amount is described as a “cash to close” or balance of down payment. Deposits may make up part of the down payment but are treated separately.

Certainly, reputable builders will always carefully explain the contract to their customers and provide the opportunity for review by a lawyer. Ensure your contract is well written and be sure to understand the terms prior to approving the agreement by signature. Consult a lawyer for full explanations of your obligations and rights under the agreement.

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