Economic Success in Condominium Project Management
The Canadian Condominium Institute of Huronia, Brunch and Learn.
On June 11th, Gonneau Building Group had the opportunity to participate and share how we leverage our over 150 years of Project management experience.
The Huronia Brunch and Learn hosted by the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI). The event brought together professionals from across the Ontario condominium and commercial property management sectors to discuss capital project planning, construction contract execution, and the evolving challenges facing today’s condo boards and service providers.
Our President, Eric Gonneau MBA, P.Eng, was a featured panellist, sharing real-world insights into how thoughtful planning, clear communication, and stakeholder alignment are the keys to achieving success in condominium and commercial construction projects.
Eric’s Expertise: Real Strategies for Real-World Condo Projects
Eric’s contributions centered around the human and strategic elements of managing the large-scale construction in condominium and commercial repairs and renovation settings.
His key takeaways included:
- Setting Realistic Project Goals
The balance between cost, quality, and speed must reflect the specific priorities of each client. No two condo boards are alike, and successful execution begins with aligning expectations. - Understanding the Unique Needs of Condo Corporations
From scope limitations to community impact, understanding your client's economic and operational constraints is essential for delivering value. - Planning Around Disruption
Projects in occupied buildings require sensitivity. Eric emphasized proactive scheduling and communication to minimize disruption to residents. - Smart Budgeting in a Volatile Market
With rising material prices and limited skilled labour availability, Eric reinforced the importance of building budgets that consider risk, inflation, and long-term cost control. - Communication as a Strategic Tool
Effective project communication isn't just about updates—it's about listening, aligning stakeholders, and troubleshooting issues before they become obstacles.
The event began with a relaxed networking brunch, followed by a deep dive into some of the most pressing topics in condominium project management. The panel covered:
What defines a successful financial strategy
- Construction planning and contract risk management
- Effective contract administration and managing delays
- Tackling construction challenges: labour shortages, supply chain issues, and rising material costs.
Financial strategy: funding sources, budget controls, and prompt contractor payment
These discussions offered valuable insights into navigating today’s complex construction environment — particularly for condominium corporations dealing with aging infrastructure and evolving resident expectations.
Insight from Debbie Dale – Financial Planning Realities
Fellow panelist Debbie Dale of MCRS Management Corp, and proud member of the Muskoka Builders Association. shared her expertise on condominium financial constraints.
She spoke about:
- The limits of revenue generation for condo corporations
- The importance of objective, transparent conversations with owners and board members
The value of long-term financial planning for future capital needs. Her perspective added critical depth to the conversation and highlighted the shared responsibility of managers, boards, and contractors in ensuring project sustainability.
Why Events Like This Matter
The Huronia Brunch and Learn was more than a panel — it was a conversation that reflects the reality of working in today’s condominium and commercial construction landscape in Ontario. As service providers, we benefit from opportunities like this to align, share, and grow alongside our peers.
Our Commitment
We’re proud to see Eric representing our values: thoughtful project leadership, financial diligence, and open communication. Whether managing a multimillion-dollar capital replacement or a smaller maintenance upgrade, our goal remains clear: deliver strategic results without compromising resident experience or long-term value.
Stay tuned for more insights and events as we continue to support condominium boards, property managers, and commercial clients across the region.