Dec 4, 2025

When it’s more than just decision making; Should strata council members be paid?

Many strata corporations are faced with ongoing challenges related to capital projects and Civil Resolution Tribunal disputes. Strata councils are decreasing in size, with owners shying away from joining due to the increased demand for their time, disgruntled owners and challenges surrounding the CRT dispute process.

For a strata council member to be paid for council duties or other services outside their decision-making role, the strata corporation will need to have the approval of the owners. This includes, having the compensation as part of their operating budget, amending the bylaws to include details on how and why council members may be compensated, or having a ¾ vote resolution at a general meeting allowing the ownership to vote on it.

Is offering to compensate owners who are elected to the strata council the right approach? We say no, and these are some of the reasons why:

1. Many strata corporations will not complete one of the approval process steps above. This will make the process lack transparency and can cause mistrust amongst the owners. Additionally, just including the expense in the budget, but not taking the time to discuss it, is not sufficient.
2. Providing compensation to a strata council member adds questions like are they an employee or contractor of the strata? There would be added complications relating to tax filing, insurance, WorkSafe BC, etc.
3. The strata council member and property manager would need to carefully navigate any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from them being compensated.
4. Strata council members should maintain the decision-making role they were elected for as volunteers and rely on their property manager and other industry professionals to manage the day-to-day business of the strata corporation. If the property management other service providers are lacking, then it is time to look for a better fit.

The provisions in the Strata Property Act that relate to strata council members compensation are sections 31, 32 and 34.

Section 31 – Council member’s standard of care mentions:

In exercising the powers and performing the duties of the strata corporation, each council member must

• act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the strata corporation, and
• exercise the care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person in comparable circumstances.

Section 32 – Disclosure of conflict of interest mentions:

• a contract or transaction with the strata corporation, or
• a matter that is or is to be the subject of consideration by the council, if that interest could result in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that council member’s duty or interest as a council member, must
• disclose fully and promptly to the council the nature and extent of the interest,
• abstain from voting on the contract, transaction or matter, and
• leave the council meeting
• while the contract, transaction or matter is discussed, unless asked by council to be present to provide information, and
• while the council votes on the contract, transaction or matter.

Section 34 – Approval of council member remuneration mentions:

34 – Any remuneration paid to a member of council for the member’s exercise of council powers or performance of council duties must be approved in advance of payment

• in the budget,
• in the bylaws, or
• by a resolution passed by a 3/4 vote at an annual or special general meeting.

Although compensating strata council members seem like an easy way to get more owners to participate, it can add unnecessary risk, conflict of interest, concerns with transparency and administrative burden. A better solution is for the strata corporation to work with a full-service property management company who has a proven track record for being proactive and on top of their directives, working with vendors who take pride in client retention and providing timely, and efficient service and solid communication with the owners. This will help create a positive, efficient and thriving strata corporation.