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Excellent question!
As with many issues, I believe this is a double-edged sword.
Indeed, confidential issues (arrears, poor behaviour) are best handled without an audience.
However, my experience with our Hawaii condo, with owners throughout North America, was that if owners wanted to participate (they used teleconferencing for years), they could. Few of us took them up on the offer, but some owners need to know more. I know I appreciated it. It enhanced communicaiton.
I plan on writing an article for Alberta Condo Connections on the question. Too many boards don’t share ANY information because it leads to abusive emails back to the condominium manager and board. In that vacuum, the rumour mill grows, hurting the community.
The foundation of a lot of condo issues is a lack of trust. Providing information builds trust and enhances the community. However, some will take advantage of that and react adversely and negatively. Just as in society, we cannot allow a few abusive people to deter the need to share pertinent information with those who deserve to know.
I believe in the principle of no surprises: owners don’t like them, mainly if they think they should have been consulted first. Open meetings reduce surprises.
In my opinion, a wise board consults and keeps owners well-informed.
Our boards are here to serve our owners.
I hope others will join the conversation.
