Mr. David Lee, a strata owner at Strata Plan VIS5678 in Victoria, is disputing a special levy of $5,000 for balcony repairs, claiming the amount is excessive and the resolution was improperly passed at a general meeting. He has attempted to resolve the issue with the Strata Council, but they maintain the levy is valid. Which of the following best describes Mr. Lee's primary avenue for dispute resolution short of going to the BC Supreme Court?

Question: Mr. David Lee, a strata owner at Strata Plan VIS5678 in Victoria, is disputing a special levy of $5,000 for balcony repairs, claiming the amount is excessive and the resolution was improperly passed at a general meeting. He has attempted to resolve the issue with the Strata Council, but they maintain the levy is valid. Which of the following best describes Mr. Lee's primary avenue for dispute resolution short of going to the BC Supreme Court?

Answer options:

• Applying to the Real Estate Council of BC for mediation. ✅ Initiating a claim through the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT).
• Requesting a formal hearing with the Strata Council to reconsider the levy.
• Filing a complaint with the BCFSA regarding the strata manager's conduct.

Correct answer: Initiating a claim through the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT).

Explanation: The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) has jurisdiction over many types of strata disputes, including those regarding significant bylaws, rules, and common expenses like special levies, as outlined in Section 118 of the Strata Property Act and the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act.