Quorum

Under s. 53 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, quorum for an annual or special general meeting is one third (1/3) of the strata lots in the strata corporation, unless the bylaws set a different quorum. The bylaws may specify a higher or lower number, but the default statutory minimum is one third of the strata lots. Verify your strata's specific bylaws with your strata manager or a BC lawyer.

Yes. Section 53(1) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, allows the bylaws to specify a different quorum. The bylaws may set quorum as low as one strata lot or as high as all strata lots, though most stratas set a practical percentage. Check your strata's filed bylaws to determine the applicable quorum, or verify with a BC lawyer or notary.

Quorum is based on the number of strata lots, not the number of individuals or owners. Under s. 53 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, each strata lot has one vote (unless the bylaws provide otherwise), and quorum is calculated as a fraction of the total strata lots in the corporation. Multiple co-owners of one lot collectively hold one vote for that lot.

If quorum is not achieved within one-half hour after the scheduled meeting time, the meeting is adjourned under s. 54(1) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. The adjourned meeting must be held within one month at the same time and place (or as set in the bylaws), and notice of at least four days is required. At the adjourned meeting, quorum is not required unless the bylaws say otherwise (s. 54(2)).

No, unless the bylaws specifically require it. Section 54(2) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, provides that an adjourned meeting may proceed with any number of eligible voters present, regardless of quorum. The strata's bylaws may override this default rule, so verify your strata's bylaws or consult a BC lawyer or notary before proceeding.

Yes. Section 56(1) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, permits eligible voters to vote by proxy at a general meeting, and a person attending by proxy counts toward quorum under s. 53. The proxy must be in writing, state the name of the proxy holder, and be signed by the eligible voter giving the proxy. Verify proxy form requirements with your strata's bylaws or a BC lawyer.

Under s. 1(1) of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, an 'eligible voter' means a person, 19 years or older, who is entitled to vote at a general meeting on behalf of a strata lot (typically the owner, or one designated owner if there are multiple co-owners). Tenants may be eligible voters if permitted by the bylaws or by an owner's written assignment under s. 147. Verify your strata's bylaws with your strata manager or a BC lawyer.

Yes, the developer or owner-developer is an owner of strata lots and counts toward quorum under s. 53 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. However, during the phased development period, certain matters require votes to be counted separately between developer lots and non-developer lots under ss. 15–18 of the Act. Verify the specific voting and quorum implications of phased strata development with a BC lawyer before acting.

Quorum for strata council meetings is governed by s. 26 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, which states that quorum is a majority of council members unless the bylaws provide otherwise. If quorum is not met, the council cannot transact business. The general meeting quorum rules (s. 53) do not apply to council meetings; instead, council quorum is governed by s. 26 and the bylaws.

No. Section 53 of the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, counts quorum by strata lot, not by the number of co-owners. If a strata lot has multiple owners, those owners collectively hold one vote for that lot (s. 52), and the lot counts as one unit toward quorum if at least one eligible voter representing that lot attends in person or by proxy. Verify co-ownership voting procedures with your strata's bylaws or a BC lawyer.