​The great debate on condo living for those who have lived in detached homes is whether it will intensify interactions with neighbours. Private people may fear moving to a condo will bring a level of intrusiveness, while others think it will enhance their sense of security.
The best part about closer quarters is that condo communities often become like extended families, where the members look out and care for one another. This can give residents a real sense of security and many seek this kind of environment when purchasing a new condo.
This is not to say that the facility itself cannot offer privacy. You are particularly able to maintain a higher level of privacy if your unit has amenities that allow you to avoid common areas. For example, terraces mean that you do not have to visit rooftop or courtyard gardens for exposure to the outdoors.
Of course there is a flip side to this coin; many people want social interaction and an active community life within the convenience of their building, especially as temperatures drop. It’s lovely to chat with 16B while waiting for the elevator or find out how 10C’s children are doing at college while collecting your mail. The upshot is that you can be as involved in your building community as you would like.
Whether or not you have close friends living in your building, you can achieve a high level of security. Consider developing a neighbourhood watch-type program, where friends check on each other’s units when someone is out of town.
If you would rather leave your security to building design and security staff, this is another option. Here are some things to consider to ensure your building offers maximum security.
Hold the doorEven in a building with a concierge and entry codes, part of the security rests with residents. I enter many condos each week where people hold the door open for me, often with a smile and never asking, “Who are you?”
Though the door openers are being friendly and helpful, they really need to ask the important question. In large developments, it’s highly unlikely you will get to know every neighbour so it behooves you to find out if they live in the building before admitting them.
It really is up to condo residents and their guests to make sure the entrance opens only for authorized visitors. Some people may feel awkward about not holding a door open, but this one thing is an extremely important issue that all condo buildings should discuss at length. Everyone must do his or her part as a team to make the building secure.
The drive-inThe same principles apply when entering or exiting your garage. Two condo developments I know of had intruders enter via the buildings’ garages after residents drove in or out. When the door closes automatically behind you, it’s easy to drive off without another thought about the garage. You’re ready to go and on your way — why look back?
The buildings in question eliminated this avenue to crime by placing cameras by the garage doors and instructing residents to watch the doors close behind them. In addition, the condo corporation installed locks on all interior doorways. But instead of waiting for a problem like this, be proactive.
Today developers are continually considering new ways to make residents feel safe. Some have well-lit garages, which were not the norm years go. Other buildings have emergency phone stations in common areas. And still others have concierge services to help residents and make the entire development feel more secure.
Basically, there is something for everyone — regardless of personality. When shopping for a condo, make sure you explore the security issues and concerns associated with the neighbourhood and get the lowdown on the security being offered by the developer you choose.
Written by: Marilyn Wilson who has been selling real estate for more than 25 years and owns Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties Inc. Christie’s International Real Estate. Reach her through dreamproperties.com.

By Ronald Wells
Condominium security and the management of security services can be challenging if the three main bodies that govern the service (the condo board, property manager and contracted service provider) do not communicate and find common purpose. But the challenge begins long before the developer completes a building and turns it over to the condo corporation.

The design of the building will play a large role in determining how challenging securing a condo premises will be. In order to minimize these challenges, engineers ought to consider the flaws of previous buildings and consult security professionals. However, budget has a huge influence on building security measures into a condo’s physical design. The security budget must be prioritized if the designer is looking to establish a secure facility.

Herewith, a walk through how building design influences access control, deliveries and parking, along with corresponding security tips.

Access control

The physical design of a condominium building can pose challenges for access control. Many buildings have emergency exits that are out of sight along the building’s perimeter, making them harder to monitor. Buildings with shared facilities and adjoining towers generate increased human traffic to control and monitor, including residents, visitors, deliveries and contractors. A complex with two or more towers, shared facilities and adjoining lobby entrances creates greater areas to cover.

Developing a security system that supervises personnel access to the condo with a combination of security personnel, access control, CCTV and concierge systems is a great way to maximize security coverage. The system’s design could address high-traffic hours with increased security staff presence during peak hours; modify physical features with added man traps (small spaces with two sets of interlocking doors that require one door to close before the other opens); and include an access card system with security guards monitoring when doors are held open. In cases where there are several lobbies and access points, carefully consider the placement of security desks. Designing appropriate access-control measures and systems addresses unwanted persons and activity in a building.

Deliveries

Parcel and package delivery to condominiums is a challenge to manage, especially around the holidays. Between postal service and parcel deliveries, concierge services get inundated with packages. Some buildings either lack a parcel room or the parcel room’s location takes personnel away from the concierge desk, leaving the desk vulnerable.

The concierge services should have a parcel control system (software for this is available) to log, file and access parcels in an organized fashion. There are services that incorporate parcel control and logging with their concierge services, with a parcel room located at or near the concierge desk.

Parking

Parking is an increasing concern in condominiums as space becomes scarcer in urban areas with growing populations. The challenge is providing enough parking for residents, visitors, commercial tenants and their employees and staff. The answer is to design a parking program that governs parking usage and monitors it with appropriate enforcement.

Local law enforcement and municipal parking enforcement resources are limited, and response times are typically long, especially during rush hour. A security service with the resources, authority, training and experience to design a parking program that incorporates appropriate signage, a permit program, municipal authority and an enforcement program can help condo corporations meet these challenges. Turnkey solutions allow property managers to focus on other priorities.

Once a building has been constructed, the condo board is left to address the security challenges posed by the building’s design. Only then can the board, management and security services begin to communicate and collaborate to resolve them.

The board and property management should look to hire a security company that has systems in place to support its mandates and fulfill its requirements. (Don’t forget to check a security provider’s references from past and present clients.) A security service with expertise in condominiums and condominium security solutions can help corporations respond to concerns about access control, deliveries and parking.

Ronald Wells is president and CEO of Cancom Security Inc., established in 2007. Ronald has more than 20 years of law enforcement, military and security experience in several capacities. He has serviced several buildings and worked with several property managers to customize integrated security services for each of their individual buildings.

Tags:
Condominium, Design, Health & Safety, Operations, Ronald Wells
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Condo-security expert Frank Fourchalk shares his tips weekly.
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​Don’t let your landlord get away with breaking the law. You have a right to prevent unwarranted intrusions, and that includes your landlord.

If your landlord is unfairly disregarding your privacy, you have every right to prosecute for harassment. Your landlord must give reasonable notice or have your consent to enter your apartment unless it’s an emergency situation. If regular repairs are needed, your landlord does have the right to access your abode but still must seek your permission and give you at least 24 hours notice.
Always remember you have rights as a tenant and living without unnecessary interference is one of them. You may want to consider installing an auxiliary lock on the inside of your apartment door to help keep lawbreakers out.