Sean Phillips, REALTOR® · Coldwell Banker Executives Realty · Vernon, BC

Strand guide

What Does a Strata Council Do? A Guide for BC Condo Owners

By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·

Short answer: A strata council is a group of volunteer owners elected at each annual general meeting to run the strata corporation day to day. The council manages common property, prepares the budget, enforces bylaws and usually oversees a property management company. Big decisions, such as special levies and bylaw changes, go to all owners for a vote.

How the council is formed

Council members are elected by owners at the annual general meeting (AGM). Under BC's Strata Property Act, a council typically has at least three and no more than seven members, unless the bylaws say otherwise. Members usually choose a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary.

What the council does

What the council can't do alone

Some decisions need a vote of the owners, such as:

Why join your council?

Serving on council gives you a voice in how your building is run and how your money is spent. At The Strand, owners are invited to join council and help with volunteer committees such as beach clean-ups and gardening.

Tips for buyers

Read at least two years of council minutes before you buy. They show how the building is run, what issues come up and what projects are planned. See how depreciation reports work.

Frequently asked questions

How many people are on a BC strata council?

Typically between three and seven owners, elected at the annual general meeting, unless the bylaws set a different number.

Are strata council members paid?

Council members are usually volunteers, though bylaws can allow some compensation in certain cases.

Can the strata council approve a special levy?

No. Special levies generally require a 3/4 vote of owners at a general meeting.

More guides to Okanagan Landing and The Strand

Have a question about waterfront living in Vernon?

I'm Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. I live at The Strand in Okanagan Landing and specialise in Vernon-area waterfront condos. For current listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.

Text Sean: 778-363-0542

Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so always confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.

Keep reading

Buying a Second Home in the Okanagan From Alberta: What to KnowAlbertans buying an Okanagan second home should know about BC's speculation tax, short-term rental rules, property transfer tax, insurance and strata bylaws.Does BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax Apply in Vernon?Vernon is now a taxable area for BC's speculation and vacancy tax. Who pays it, who's exempt, the annual declaration, and what it means for second-home buyers.Condo Insurance in BC: How Strata Deductibles Affect YouYour strata insures the building, but you may still be charged the deductible. How BC condo insurance works and how much coverage owners should carry.

Questions about The Strand?

Sean Phillips lives at The Strand and is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. Text him any time, or call Sarah, his AI assistant, 24/7 for building and area info.

Text Sean 778-363-0542Call Sarah 604-227-4810