BC Couple awarded $8K in human rights case against Condo

The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has ruled in favour of a couple who complained about second-hand smoke at their condominium complex in Langley.
Melanie and Matthew McDaniel alleged discrimination after second-hand cigarette and marijuana smoke from the balconies and patios of their neighbours wafted into the suite they purchased at Metro One in 2008.

Melanie McDaniel was pregnant at the time and allergic to smoke, while her husband suffers from diabetes and claimed he was at risk of complications because of the second hand smoke.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/05/15/bc-second-hand-smoke.html

Condominiums are springing up like wildfire in our City but do they know the rules governing condo living? Although it might be your own home, homeowners have to understand that they are committed to a shared environment and have to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of their neighbours. Condominium corps can be held liable for discrimination or failure to make reasonable accommodation for the special needs of people with disabilities.

For example, if a Condominium corporation fails to make reasonable accommodation for a person in a wheelchair or a person who cannot push a heavy door, then they have to do something about it and not ignore the need. A simple accommodation can be installing an automatic door.

Condo owners I urge you to read the story and be informed.