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Note: These announcements are intended to inform Gatespark Private owners/ residents on items of importance passed on at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or through communique and notices posted throughout the year. This site can also post information that private residents may wish to pass on.
General.
The houses on Gatespark Private are freehold and owners are responsible for the condition of their own properties. Keeping GPP well-maintained is in everyone's interest. Many owners have taken steps in this regard such as well-groomed lawns, flower gardens, steps, storing compost bins, etc. As the Board undertakes to maintain and repair the common elements, we encourage all owners and residents to be considerate of each other and maintain the appearance of their properties.
(27 June 2024) OCCECC #677 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Ottawa-Carleton Common Elements Condominium Corporation #677 for Gatespark Private Annual General Meeting was held virtually on Google Meet at 7 PM on 27 June 2024. The complete AGM minutes is posted in the DOCUMENTS tab. Comments to this year's minutes and/or community issues can be raised to Board members by email to gatesparkpvt@gmail.com.
(Oct 2023) Communique.
The last communique was sent out by email to all owners was distributed keeping owners up to date on Gatespark Private issues and events.
(Oct 2021) Gatespark Private Guidelines.
This document was introduced as a reference tool for unit owners as a guide on applicable regulations to maintain our neighbourhood. These guidelines are reinforced through other series of source documents such as the City of Ottawa By-Laws and Condominium Association of Ontario guidelines, which should be consulted for further clarity. In case of disagreement, this document remains subordinate to those source documents.
OCCECC - 677 Gatespark Guideline Rules.pdf(Nov 2020) Neighbourhood Watch.
An email was sent out to provide information about the Neighbourhood Watch (NW). To become part of the NW, we require at least 50% (25 units) of the Gatespark Private residents to register. Once we have enough registrants, we will need two units to take on the responsibility of Block Captains. Those responsibilities are outlined in the information package. Your Treasurer (Alex Vervuurt - unit 110) will be the NW Coordinator. This will be something that will need to be noted for handovers as these people may move out of the neighbourhood. You can visit the Ottawa Police Service website to find out more information on the Neighbourhood Watch program.
(2019) Kanata Golf Course Green Space Preservation.
Continuing news on the closure of the Kanata Lakes Golf Course inspired attention from Kanata North residents as the golf course area has been a target for developers to build residential housing on the golf course, which will only further increase local traffic. Read more on this at the following link: ourkanatagreenspace.ca
(2018) Property Management.
Effective 30 September 2018, the contracted property management services were terminated. Community finances including monthly fee collection are now managed by our resident Board member assigned as Treasurer.
(General) Gatespark Private Easements
An easement is a right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose. i.e. as a right of passage for the purpose of Gatespark Private residents. Further information will be made available regarding the specific maintenance responsibilities for easements as it becomes available. The City of Ottawa's website also covers these basic tenets on easement.
Easements are indicated on the title of a property which is also on the plan of survey accompanying the title. To obtain an official copy of your property's title, contact the Land Registry Office at (613) 239-1230. the Plan of Survey is also contained under the Gatespark Private website under POTL Surveys.
Property Easements regulations applying to Gatespark Private are as follows:
Behind townhomes, on private property, when new townhomes are built, the developer usually has buyers sign a purchase agreement stating that owners of end units will permit free access through the side and at the rear of their property (and applicable middle units will allow the same rear passage) to allow middle units to have access to their rear yard from the outside for the purpose bringing lawn mowers, patio equipment through as required. The agreement will state that if the end users build a fence or other interference to access that a reasonable gate and a path of at least 1.5m wide must still be made available by an owner to permit access for middle units.
Note: This is not part of any City of Ottawa by-law and has nothing to do with the City. If there is a disagreement such that an owner of an end or middle unit blocks off an easement, this becomes a matter of Civil Law.
Other Easements:
Utility easements (non-City) on residential private properties. Residents may have a utility pole in their yard on their own property. Utility workers must have access to the property for maintenance purposes. A utility easement can also be a passage only (no poles, etc., on property, just a right of passage). These easements occasionally include a height restriction for structures on the property. Residents are not supposed to build structures, plant trees, etc., in utility easements. If a homeowner blocks a utility easement, it is a civil matter between the homeowner and the utility; the City will not get involved.
Utility easements on utility-owned land. These are usually strips of land, sometimes many kilometers long, which run along the back of residential/commercial developments. They usually have major hydro lines and are maintained by Hydro.
City Sewer easements. Some properties have a catch basin or manhole cover in the rear or side yard. The City may require access for maintenance and will approach the property owner if the easement has been blocked.
Note: When a property is purchased, the homeowner should check for easements in case they plan on building something (swimming pool, etc.) in the future. Lawyers usually look into this. As a homeowner, you will not necessarily be informed about existing easements and can purchase Title Insurance (A policy that protects a buyer against omissions or errors, or defects in the title of the property).
(General) Leases and Rentals.
Owners who are leasing or renting are reminded that Section 4.2 of the Declaration on Tenants states - No owner of a Potl (unit) shall lease his Potl unless they cause the tenant to deliver to the Corporation an agreement (also under documents TAB) signed by the tenant, to the following effect:
"I _____________________, covenant and agree that I, the members of my household, my guests and my invitees from time to time, will, in using the unit rented by me and the common elements, comply with the Condominium Act 1998, the Declaration, the by-laws, and all rules and regulations of the condominium corporation, during the term of my tenancy."
Tenants are not liable for the payment of common expenses unless notified by the Corporation that the owner is in default of payment of common expenses, in which case, the tenant shall deduct from the rent payable to the owner the owner's share of the common expenses and shall pay the same to the Corporation. Any owner leasing his unit shall not be relieved from any of his obligations with respect to the unit which shall be joint and several with his tenant.
(General) Light Sensitive Garage Lights.
Ensure your garage light is working! As part of the original Private Road agreement, the four main street lights on the GPP roadway are not considered adequate lighting in accordance with the city of Ottawa luminous requirements for a street. The only way to increase this sufficiently is through the garage lights at each residence. Each GPP residence has a light sensor that will ensure your garage light turns on only during darkness to provide adequate lighting for the street and security for both the residences and the visibility of those who travel our street at night. Note that if your garage light is not working at night, you probably should first replace the light bulb. If your garage light still does not work or otherwise stays lit all the time, you likely need to replace the light photo sensor located on the outside garage wall. Photo light sensors can be purchased at most hardware stores. The Home Depot carries the DEFIANT Indoor/Outdoor Post Eye Light Control with photocell. Model # 64320301|Store SKU # 1001046618 . If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at gatesparkpvt@gmail.com and we can provide you with further guidance and/or assistance.
(General) Visitor Parking.
Owners and Residents are reminded that visitor parking is for "visitors only". Any GPP residents that are found parking in the visitor parking spaces in a far too regular manner shall be warned initially and ultimately fined in accordance with the City of Ottawa By-Law enforcement.
If you have any comments, please advise the board through gatesparkpvt@gmail.com or leave a comment on the Resident Comments web page.
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