During a particularly harsh winter, the boiler system at Strata Plan KAS0001 in Prince George failed catastrophically, leaving all 30 units without heat or hot water. The strata council president, Brian, obtained an emergency quote for $85,000 for immediate replacement from 'Arctic HVAC Co.' The strata corporation's operating fund only has $5,000, and the CRF has $120,000. Brian approved the emergency repair without a council meeting or formal vote, notifying the strata manager, Emily, the next day. Did Brian act within the Strata Property Act regulations for council actions?

Question: During a particularly harsh winter, the boiler system at Strata Plan KAS0001 in Prince George failed catastrophically, leaving all 30 units without heat or hot water. The strata council president, Brian, obtained an emergency quote for $85,000 for immediate replacement from 'Arctic HVAC Co.' The strata corporation's operating fund only has $5,000, and the CRF has $120,000. Brian approved the emergency repair without a council meeting or formal vote, notifying the strata manager, Emily, the next day. Did Brian act within the Strata Property Act regulations for council actions?

Answer options:

• Yes, because an emergency repair is an exception to the requirement for a formal council meeting. ✅ No, because even in emergencies, at least a majority of council members must approve the expenditure.
• Yes, but only if the strata manager formally documented the emergency within 24 hours.
• No, because any expenditure over $50,000 requires an owner resolution, even in an emergency.

Correct answer: No, because even in emergencies, at least a majority of council members must approve the expenditure.

Explanation: While true emergencies allow for quicker action, the Strata Property Act, specifically Standard Bylaw 7(1), requires a strata council to conduct its business at a council meeting. Standard Bylaw 10(4) allows for decisions between meetings if all council members consent in writing, but a single member's decision without prior consent is not compliant.