A first for Canada, the online Civil Resolution Tribunal will let British Columbians resolve strata and small claims disputes from the comfort of their home computer or even their mobile phone - without going to court.
“The CRT will also provide a variety of dispute resolution methods, including negotiation, facilitation, and if necessary, adjudication,” said Shannon Salter, CRT Chair.
The virtual CRT doors will be open sometime in 2015 according to Salter.
In the meantime, the CRT will launch and Implementation website at www.civilresolution.bc.ca to:
- Provide helpful information about how the CRT will work;
- Keep British Columbians informed about progress in implementing the CRT; and
- Let British Columbians share questions and comments.
The Tribunal will have the authority to handle strata disputes between strata property owners and strata corporations, including:
- Non-payment of monthly strata fees or fines;
- Unfair actions by the strata corporation or by those owning more than half of the strata lots in a complex;
- Uneven, arbitrary or non-enforcement of strata bylaws (such as smoking, noise, pets, parking, rentals);
- Issues of financial responsibility for repairs and the choice of bids for services;
- Irregularities in the conduct of meetings, voting, minutes, or other matters;
- Interpretation of the legislation, regulations or bylaws; and
- Issues regarding common property.
