A dispute has arisen in Strata Plan NWS3456 in Nanaimo between two owners, Sarah and Mark, regarding Mark's unauthorized parking of his recreational vehicle in a visitor's spot, which Sarah claims blocks her view and impedes access. The Strata Council has tried to mediate, but no resolution has been reached. Sarah suggests voluntary mediation with a professional mediator. If the parties agree to mediation, under the Strata Property Act or its standard bylaws, what is generally true about the costs of such mediation?

Question: A dispute has arisen in Strata Plan NWS3456 in Nanaimo between two owners, Sarah and Mark, regarding Mark's unauthorized parking of his recreational vehicle in a visitor's spot, which Sarah claims blocks her view and impedes access. The Strata Council has tried to mediate, but no resolution has been reached. Sarah suggests voluntary mediation with a professional mediator. If the parties agree to mediation, under the Strata Property Act or its standard bylaws, what is generally true about the costs of such mediation?

Answer options:

• The Strata Corporation is solely responsible for all mediation costs.
• The party who initiated the mediation is responsible for all mediation costs. ✅ The parties must equally share the costs of mediation, unless they agree otherwise.
• The mediator determines which party is responsible for costs based on the outcome.

Correct answer: The parties must equally share the costs of mediation, unless they agree otherwise.

Explanation: Standard Bylaw 35 (Mediation) of the Strata Property Regulation stipulates that the parties to the dispute must equally share the cost of the mediation, unless they agree otherwise.