Strata Council

A strata council is the group of strata lot owners elected at the annual general meeting (AGM) to manage the day-to-day affairs of the strata corporation between general meetings, as defined under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43. The council exercises powers and duties set out in the Act and the strata corporation's bylaws, and is subject to decisions made by the owners at general meetings. Verify specific powers and duties for your strata corporation with a BC lawyer or notary, as they depend on the bylaws registered for that strata.

The Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, does not prescribe a fixed number of council members; the number is typically determined by the strata corporation's bylaws. The standard bylaws under the Strata Property Regulation set a council of between 3 and 7 members (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), but a strata corporation may amend this range in its own bylaws. Verify the specific number and any eligibility rules in your strata corporation's registered bylaws with a BC lawyer or notary.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, strata council members are elected at the annual general meeting (AGM) by a vote of eligible voters (typically owners or their authorized representatives). The bylaws of the strata corporation govern the nomination process, term length, and any other election procedures. Verify the election procedures for your strata corporation by reviewing the registered bylaws and consulting a BC lawyer or notary if needed.

The Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, grants the strata council authority to manage the day-to-day operations of the strata corporation, including enforcing bylaws, preparing budgets, arranging insurance, maintaining common property, and managing finances, subject to the Act, the bylaws, and decisions of the owners. The council must act in good faith and in the best interests of the strata corporation. Verify the specific scope of duties for your strata corporation with a BC lawyer or notary, as bylaws may vary.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, a strata council can make most operational and administrative decisions on its own, but certain decisions (such as expenditures outside the approved budget, special levies, bylaw amendments, or changing the use of common property) require approval by the owners at a general meeting. The Act and the strata corporation's bylaws set out which decisions require owner votes and what type of resolution is needed (ordinary, three-quarters, or unanimous). Verify the threshold for any specific decision with a BC lawyer or notary before proceeding.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, only eligible voters—typically owners or their authorized representatives—may serve on the strata council, unless the bylaws permit otherwise. Tenants are generally not eligible to serve unless the owner has provided written authorization or the bylaws have been amended to allow tenant representation. Verify eligibility rules in your strata corporation's registered bylaws with a BC lawyer or notary.

The Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, does not prescribe a fixed term length for strata council members; the term is governed by the strata corporation's bylaws. Under the standard bylaws in the Strata Property Regulation, council members serve a one-year term (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), but the bylaws may provide for different term lengths or re-election. Verify the term length and re-election rules in your strata corporation's registered bylaws with a BC lawyer or notary.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, a strata council may impose fines on owners or tenants for bylaw violations if the bylaws authorize fines and set the maximum amount. The council must follow procedural fairness requirements, including giving the owner or tenant an opportunity to be heard before imposing a fine, and may not collect fines by deducting them from common expenses. Verify the maximum fine amount (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) and procedural requirements in your strata corporation's bylaws and the Act with a BC lawyer or notary before acting.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, the strata council must hold meetings to conduct business, and owners may request to attend council meetings as observers unless the council resolves to meet in camera (closed session) for certain confidential matters such as legal advice, personnel issues, or bylaw enforcement against a specific owner. The Act sets out notice requirements and the right of owners to request copies of council meeting minutes. Verify your strata corporation's notice procedures and in-camera rules with a BC lawyer or notary.

Under the Strata Property Act, SBC 1998, c. 43, an owner may challenge a strata council decision by requisitioning a special general meeting to vote to overturn the decision, or by applying to the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) if the decision is alleged to be significantly unfair or contrary to the Act or bylaws. The CRT has jurisdiction over most strata property disputes in BC (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify the dispute resolution process and time limits with a BC lawyer or notary before taking action.