Dear Condo Smarts:

One of our strata members has become wheelchair-bound for at least six months as she recovers from an accident. She wanted a ramp installed so she can access her ground floor unit, but our strata council turned her down. I am concerned that we may have a legal obligation to help this owner, but what do we do if the owners won't permit the installation of a temporary ramp? -- GH, Vancouver

Dear GH:

Before your strata corporation gets sued, you need to seek legal advice. Most strata owners do not realize that the B.C. Human Rights Code applies to strata corporations. Examples of conflict include use of property, enforcement of bylaws, election to strata council and even the purchase of property.

Section 8 of the code reads: "A person must not, without a bona fide and reasonable justification, (a) deny to a person or class of persons any accommodation . . . or (b) discriminate against a person or class of persons regarding any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public." For more go to: www.bchrt.bc.ca

© The Vancouver Province 2008