East Village condo owners forced out of parking spots with minimal notice

Dozens of residents of Verve Condominiums in Calgary’s East Village have been given less than two weeks notice that their vehicles need to be moved from their titled parking stalls due to construction.

“A lot of owners were surprised because it was the first time we had heard anything about the reshoring project,” said resident Joel Muir.

He says initially 123 condo owners were impacted, but after pushback it’s now down to 113.

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The move is to help accommodate the development in the building next door.

According to Muir, the reshoring project is meant to maintain the structural integrity of the Verve’s garage while a parking garage for the development next door is built.

The original notice was given to residents by First Service Residential, which oversees the building, on June 16.

Originally, they were had until June 26 to find a new spot for their cars, but that has since been pushed back several times.

“Just to be told that we have to be out of our stalls for four months, with no conversation. It came as a shock to everyone,” said Muir. “Living in the East Village, it comes with its own quirks, and one of those is security, so having titled underground parking is very important.”

Originally, residents were offered $200 a month plus a one-time inconvenience gift card of $100 to help pay for a new spot.

After pushing back, they were given $310 per month for the four months they are told it will take to complete the reshoring.

“Very, short notice to move our vehicles, and it’s a Stampede time, and we can’t even find proper accommodation for our vehicles, so it’s like crazy all over,” said resident Mohammad Emon.

CTV News reached out to First Service Residential, but our request for comment has not been answered.

The Board of Verve Condominium Corporation tells CTV News it recognizes the inconvenience.

“The board has been working through this matter based on legal advice and has worked to reduce the impact on residents where possible, including securing compensation for affected owners,” said a statement.

After the first notice came out, Muir and more than 80 other condo owners who also have to move their vehicles formed a WhatsApp group.

They were looking to speak with First Service Residential, seeking clarification in regarding with the project and its timelines, as well as why they were not given more notice.

“None of us can get them to communicate with us,” Muir said. “The board and the management company refused to talk to any of us individually, instead they’re only communicating in mass emails.”

Under the building’s bylaws the group needed to have 15 per cent of residents sign a petition calling for a special meeting with the management company.

They were able to collect the required signatures, and the meeting is schedule for Friday at 4 p.m.

According to Muir, the impacted residents are expected to vacate their stalls regardless by July 13 or could face legal action.